RIYADH: Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin is ready to fend off the burgeoning advances of Champions League rivals Tottenham Hotspur as he has finally found a club that truly feels like home.
The Frenchman was one of Antonio Conte’s primary targets in the summer transfer window, and despite an up-and-down campaign so far that has made only four Premier League starts, the player admitted he could not be happy at St James’ Park.
Saint-Maximin showed only flashes of brilliance in his early career before turning down nearly $20 million in 2019.
Spells such as Nice, Bastia and Monaco brought little love for Saint-Maximin, who is undoubtedly adored by the Geordie public, particularly for his ability to sweep fans off their feet.
But now, at last, he knows that home is where the heart is.
“It’s great. It’s like finding your first home,” he said of being at Newcastle United.
“It’s like when you’ve found a really nice house and you know what you’re going to build. You start to see the potential there and you say, ‘Wow, this is huge.’ It’s a great example because I really feel at home here.”
Comparing the ownership of the Sports Direct clothing empire to former patron Mike Ashley’s public investment fund, the 25-year-old said: “It’s a different place now. There are a lot of beautiful homes in the world now but there are also some homes where you can live your life.” We put our feet and think ‘Here is my home.’
“I feel it here in Newcastle. I’m very proud because… when you work hard, you can see everything change.
“Especially when you have the option of moving to another club. You just say, ‘No, I will believe in this club till the end.’
“I want to give back the love they give me… I will always be a Newcastle fan, I love the club so much.”
Saint-Maximin follows a long line of enigmatic, crowd-pleasing Gallic talents to grace the fields of Tyneside, with the likes of Laurent Robert, Hatem Ben Arfa and David Ginola fondly remembered by those Who had seen his swagger in black and white.
It’s a line of succession, and Saint-Maximin is in no mood to give up any time soon.
“I’ll try to do my best,” he said about emulating those who have gone before him.
“There are many legends. You talk about French players (Robert and Ginola). There are also English players like Alan Shearer.
“I want to be the best I can be wherever I go. I try to change things in my life and with my mindset. I work harder than ever. I’m sure if I keep thinking like And if you try to fight for your teammates, many good things can happen.”
One player who has definitely restricted Saint-Maximin’s playing time this campaign is Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan has scored eight goals in the Premier League and has been the surprise package for Newcastle in the campaign so far.
And while many players may begrudge the forward’s opponent’s success, Saint-Maximin shares his absolute joy at the player’s unexpected success – although in his eyes there is nothing unexpected about it.
Saint-Maximin said: “Miggy has always been a great player. He is an incredible person but a great player.
“When you play and touch the ball less and the team is not playing well, it is very 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 pitch with him, help him, assist and he has the best season possible.
“He deserves it. That should be the mindset of every player. I am sure every player will help us get where we need to be.”
On Thursday evening, Newcastle United lifted the Diriyah Season Cup with a 5–0 win over Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal.
Almiron netted twice along with Joelinton while Dylan Stephenson scored the Magpies’ fifth goal at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium.
Newcastle next face Rayo Valladolid at St James’ Park on Saturday, 17 December, before returning to home football against Bournemouth on 23 December in the Carabao Cup.