Allan Saint-Maximin was a fan favourite during his four-year stay at Newcastle United.
Allan Saint-Maximin has hailed Newcastle United supporters for “changing his life” in a message to potential transfer targets.
Signed in 2019 during the final throes of the Mike Ashley era, the Frenchman provided a rare highlight in an otherwise dark environment. Saint-Maximin’s off-the-cuff style and flamboyant personality saw him become a fan favourite at St James’ Park.
Spontaneous moments like buying supporters gifts in the Metrocentre helped endear the 28-year-old to the Tyneside faithful. He was sold two years ago for PSR purposes once Newcastle qualified for the Champions League.
Allan Saint-Maximin on Newcastle United
Despite searching for his fourth club in as many years following failed stints at Al-Ahli and Fenerbahce, Saint-Maximin keeps close tabs on Newcastle events. The winger has thanked the fans for their fervent support during his four-year stay at the club - words that every possible Toon target should take note of.
"They gave me back my taste for football," he told Turkish media. "These fans don't realise it, but this fervour changed my whole life. When you arrive in a stadium that shouts your name throughout the entire match and you see big tifos, honestly, I don't even have the words. It was exceptional.
"That's why I say that these are the kind of experiences that you maybe only live once. Afterwards, you live them, but you live them differently. You experience them differently, and that's what happened to me. It's a love story that was exceptional and I want to thank them for that because I wouldn't have rediscovered my love for football without them."
Eddie Howe on Allan Saint-Maximin sale
Eddie Howe previously admitted he did not want to sell Saint-Maximin but financial restrictions forced his hand. He said at the time: “It’s difficult to comment on individual players but player trading, if you look at Man City or Arsenal, they have traded players. Not between each other but in recent windows.
“We have done that ourselves with Allan Saint-Maximin, a player we didn’t want to sell, but we had to last summer. That will continue to be the case, that will give us the opportunity to keep things fresh.”
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Allan Saint-Maximin’s next challenge
The former Newcastle ace has hinted at a return to Nice this summer. He said: “My heart is in Nice. Maybe one day I will return there. I will return to France soon. It will do me some good, stay tuned! I have two or three things to sort out, but I will be back soon.”
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