Allan Saint-Maximin bid farewell to Newcastle United on Saturday. The French dribbler departs the Premier League club with a heavy heart as he is on the verge of leaving for a lucrative adventure in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.
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The clubs have not yet confirmed the transfer, but Saint-Maximin has already posted a message on his social media accounts addressing the Newcastle fans. The 26-year-old winger, who joined from OGC Nice in 2019, assures his followers that his kind words are sincere. He truly loves the club.
"Believe me, I fell for Newcastle," writes Saint-Maximin in his farewell message on Saturday. "During the dark days, I had great opportunities to leave the club, but I was in love. I wanted and needed to stay to save the club from relegation from the Premier League because it meant everything to me."
Meanwhile, thanks in part to the investments from the new owners from Saudi Arabia, Newcastle has returned to the top of English football. Last season, they finished fourth. According to Saint-Maximin, he never doubted this and considers it the best time to leave the club. "That's what I find so beautiful. It had to be this way."
Saint-Maximin could have also played in the Champions League with his beloved club, but he still chooses the millions from Saudi Arabia. The fact that Al-Ahli, like Newcastle, is owned by the investment company PIF and reportedly transfers around 35 million euros to England, has raised some eyebrows.
Manager Eddie Howe assured that the transfer complies with Premier League regulations. He had previously expressed regret about Saint-Maximin's impending departure. However, the star player of The Magpies promises that he will return to St James' Park one day. Newcastle has become his home. "Once a Geordie, always a Geordie."
Updated: 11:41, 29 Jul 2023
