RIYADH: Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin is ready to ward off increasing advances from Champions League rivals Tottenham Hotspur because he has finally found a club where he truly feels at home.
The Frenchman was one of Antonio Conte’s main targets in the summer transfer window and despite an up-and-down campaign so far – having made just four Premier League starts – the player admits he couldn’t be more happy in St. James’ Park. .
Saint-Maximin had shown only flashes of brilliance early in his career before his nearly $20 million move in 2019.
Spells in Nice, Bastia and Monaco brought little love for Saint-Maximin, who is undoubtedly adored by the Geordie crowd, especially for his ability to make fans wake up.
But now, finally, she knows that home is where the heart is.
“It’s very nice. It’s like finding your first home,” he said of being at Newcastle United.
“It’s like when you’ve found a very nice house and you know what you’re going to build. You start to see the potential there and you’re like, ‘Wow, this is huge.’ That’s a great example because I really feel at home here.”
Comparing ownership of the Public Investment Fund to former custodian Mike Ashley of the Sports Direct clothing empire, the 25-year-old said: “This is a different place now. There are many beautiful houses in the world now, but there are some houses that you step foot in and think ‘Here is my home’.
“It’s the feeling I have in Newcastle. I am very proud because… when you work very hard, you start to see that everything changes.
“Especially when you have the option of going to another club. You just say: ‘No, I will believe in this club to the end.’
“I want to return the love they give me… I will always be a Newcastle fan, I love the club very much.”
Saint-Maximin follows a long line of enigmatic crowd-pleasing Gallic talents to grace the Tyneside fields, with Laurent Robert, Hatem Ben Arfa and David Ginola fondly remembered by those who witnessed their black-and-white swagger.
It’s a line of succession, and Saint-Maximin is in no mood to give up any time soon.
“I’ll try to do the best I can,” he said of emulating those who have come before him.
“There are many legends. You talk about French players (Robert and Ginola). There are also English players like Alan Shearer.
“Wherever I go, I want to be the best. I try to change things in my life and with my mentality. I work even harder than before. I am sure that if I keep thinking like this and try to fight for my teammates, a lot of good things can happen.”
One player who has arguably restricted playing time for Saint-Maximin this campaign has been Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan has scored eight Premier League goals and has been the surprise of Newcastle’s campaign so far.
And while many players may envy the success of a rival striker, Saint-Maximin has shared his utter joy at the player’s unexpected success, even though there is nothing unexpected in his eyes.
Saint-Maximin said: “Miggy has always been a great player. He’s an amazing guy, but a great player.
“When you play and touch the ball less and the team doesn’t play well, it’s much more difficult to shine. It is more difficult to show your quality.
“You see people saying that Miggy is a new player. He is not a new player. He has always been a great player.
“I want to be on the field with him, help him, give assists and make the best season possible for him.
“He deserves it. It is the type of mentality that every player should have. I am sure that all the players will help us to be where we need to be”.
On Thursday night, Newcastle United lifted the Diriyah Season Cup with a 5-0 win over Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal.
Almiron scored twice along with Joelinton, while Dylan Stephenson scored the Magpies’ fifth at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.
Newcastle are next in action on Saturday December 17, when they take on Rayo Valladolid at St. James’ Park ahead of a return to domestic football against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on December 23.
