Allan Saint-Maximin has made a shocking claim about his time at Fenerbahce, suggesting the Turkish giants tried to get him to break doping rules.
The former Newcastle United winger spent last season on loan at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli. The Frenchman struggled to replicate the form he displayed during his time in the Premier League.
There were suggestions that Jose Mourinho was considering terminating Saint-Maximin's loan early, but he stayed put until the end of the season. The 28-year-old has now lifted the lid on his time in Turkiye and appeared to suggest the club tried forcing him to dope.
Saint-Maximin Makes Shock Dope Claim Against Fenerbahce
The winger's allegations came in a lengthy expose interview
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Saint-Maximin spoke at length about his time at Fenerbahce while also reflecting on his career thus far, speaking glowingly of his time at St James' Park. He also spoke positively about fans of the Turkish outfit but made clear that there were controversies behind the scenes that took hold and made Mourinho's life difficult.
The French attacker told French internet personality Zack Nani (via Turkish outlet Sozcu):
"The reason Fenerbahce could not become champions was that the club was surrounded by factors other than football. At one point, they even tried to dope me. People do not know these things. You cannot talk about these things openly because they threaten you. If you do, they say 'we will do this and that to you'. Sometimes you find yourself in matters that go beyond football."
Saint-Maximin managed four goals and five assists in 31 games under Mourinho, whom he respects and didn't speak ill of, unlike the club and its conduct. His time in Turkiye was a disappointment, and he's returned to Al-Ahli, where he's likely to be in the shop window amid adaptation issues in Saudi Arabia.
Turkish football is already facing considerable criticism, and several high-profile resignations have followed the leak of disparaging messages about Mourinho. The Portuguese has spoken out about the refereeing in the country, suggesting that there is favouritism shown towards the champions Galatasaray.
Mourinho and Saint-Maximin Clashed Last Season
The Portuguese coach seemed to take aim at the winger's weight
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Mourinho isn't afraid to speak his mind, as was the case when he gave a brutal assessment of Saint-Maximin after leaving him out of his squad for a Europa League clash with Rangers. He said in March (via ChronicleLive):
"When a footballer trains well he will become fit, can climb stairs and does not need an elevator. But if he doesn't train well, if he comes in late and is overweight, he needs an elevator to go up because he gets tired very quickly on the stairs."
This didn't go down well with the player who posted on social media that he was the same weight during his starting role at Newcastle in 2022. He captioned the post:
"Lying gives flowers, but does not bear fruit."
Allan Saint-Maximin at Fenerbahce
Appearances (starts):
Goals:
Assists:
Mourinho dropped Saint-Maximin on his 28th birthday, which was met with backlash, also from his brother on social media. The Fenerbahce boss responded to another line from the former Premier League star by saying he didn't know he had a "talent for poetry."
Saint-Maximin joined Al-Ahli from Newcastle in the summer of 2023 for £25m but his career has stumbled since leaving Tyneside. He was a fan favourite at St James' bagging 13 goals and 21 assists in 124 games.
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - correct as of 04/07/2025
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