Former Newcastle United fan favourite Allan Saint-Maximin has made an emotional admission about his former side, revealing he still watches every game and views the Magpies as his 'dream club' in a candid interview with BBC Sport.
Maxi spent four years on Tyneside between 2019 and 2023, endearing himself to the Geordie faithful before moving to the Saudi Pro League in 2023, where he played under Matthias Jaissle.
'Newcastle is my dream club'
Speaking about Newcastle United, Maxi said: "Newcastle is my dream club. I love it from the bottom of my heart. I watch every single game."
Considering Maxi has spent the last few years playing all over the world in Saudi, Mexico, France and now America, it is quite a feat to watch every game - that 12:30 Bournemouth kick-off must have been an early wake-up.
The Frenchman was a shining light in an otherwise poor Newcastle side when he first joined the Magpies and the fans immediately took to him and he quickly became a cult hero on Tyneside. That love he received was clearly mutual for Saint-Maximin, who has spent his time after leaving Newcastle speaking openly about his love for the club.
"They gave me what no-one gave to me and I'll never forget that. I'm very loyal. I had many opportunities to come to the Premier League, but I didn't because of them."
The fact that the Frenchman has rejected other Premier League opportunities merely based off his love for Newcastle United is a testament to just how strong the relationships he built were during his time under Eddie Howe.
Saint-Maximin has never forgotten Newcastle United fans
Saint-Maximin's time at Newcastle United is most fondly remembered for his unbelievable run of form which, alongside Joe Willock's seven goals in seven games, was heavily responsible for keeping the club in the Premier League.
That was, of course, one of the most fruitful factors in building the bond between himself and the fans and the 29-year-old has often recounted the privilege of having that pressure on his shoulders.
"If I was able to give all of my money to them (Newcastle fans), I would because there is nothing better than the feeling they give you," he adds. "It's something you can't buy, and I've tried to.
"The love they give to you. When I ran with the ball, I had the feeling of people behind me and I ran because of them.
"This feeling is incredible. I wish the same for every single player because they can bring the best out of you."
Speak to any Newcastle fan over the past few years and they will likely recount the dazzling nature of a pitch-length Maxi run with three or four opposition players snapping at his ankles, the iconic headband and hand wrap that single-handedly saved Steve Bruce's job on multiple occasions or even just the community work with foodbanks and paying the fans back for their support.
Saint-Maximin's message for Jaissle
Not only does Maxi know Newcastle United like the back of his hand, but he also has an excellent grasp of Matthias Jaissle both as a manager and a person after spending time with him at Al Ahli.
The Frenchman has wished Jaissle well, saying he wants the German and his staff to have the 'best possible time' at St James' Park and it's safe to say if the first five games are anything to go by, that it exactly what will happen.
Whilst Jaissle watches on from the sidelines and tries to secure a stable season in the present, he will be cheered on across the pond by one of his former players who had a big hand in getting the club to where they are today. Poetic.
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