Allan Saint-Maximin emotional - opens up about struggles since Newcastle United
Newcastle United sold Allan Saint-Maximin for £23million to comply with PSR restrictions in 2023.
Allan Saint-Maximin has admitted the past season at Fenerbahce was "difficult" as he aims to rebuild his career this summer.
Newcastle United introduced the Frenchman to an English audience in 2019 and he soon became one of the Premier League’s most electrifying wingers. While not always blessed with end product, Saint-Maximin was an edge-of-your-seat player who could create something from nothing.
He provided hope on Tyneside during the final days of Mike Ashley’s apathetic reign. Eddie Howe used Saint-Maximin to help keep the Magpies afloat during those early post-takeover months.
However, he did not feature as regularly when Newcastle qualified for the Champions League in 2022-23, with Howe prioritising teamwork over individual flair. Saint-Maximin moved on to help alleviate PSR pressures the following summer and retains a strong relationship with Toon fans.
Is Allan Saint-Maximin becoming a journeyman?
The 28-year-old moved to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli but spent just one season in the Middle East before joining Fenerbahce on a season-long loan. Jose Mourinho as manager was cited as a key influence behind the decision but the duo endured a frosty relationship.
An unspecified injury ruled Saint-Maximin out for the final six games of the season and he has now wished Fenerbahce fans well in an emotional goodbye message. He posted on social media: “I can’t thank you enough for all the love and support throughout the year.
“It was a beautiful but difficult experience, with issues outside of football but everything is well now thank god. I gave my best on the pitch despite these complications and I am grateful for the continuous love and support you gave me everyday. Fenerbahce will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you to everyone and I wish you the best.”
Jose Mourinho bust-up
Many expected Mourinho and Saint-Maximin to clash heads as soon as the signing was announced. Four goal contributions in his first five games saw the Frenchman get off to a flyer but discipline issues soon arose.
Former Chelsea manager Mourinho left Saint-Maximin out for a crucial Europa League tie against Rangers, accusing him of being overweight. This led to the Toon favourite hitting back on social media and the relationship never recovered.
“I didn't know Maxi had a talent for poetry,” Mourinho said at the time. “He used a poem about life and stairs. I'm good at that too.
“I can only say that when a footballer trains well, he will become fit, can climb stairs, and does not need an elevator, but if he doesn't train well if he comes in late and is overweight, he needs an elevator to go up because he gets tired very quickly on the stairs.”
‘I fell for Newcastle’ - Allan Saint-Maximin
The maverick wideman had no hard feelings for the Magpies after his 2023 exit. Saint-Maximin wrote on social media: "I fell for Newcastle. I had great opportunities to leave during dark days, but that was too late.
“I was already in love, I wanted, I needed, I had to stay to help my team to save the club from Premier League relegation because it meant the world to me.
"Of course, during those dark days some may have had their doubts, but I always believed in this club and look where we are today, it's just so beautiful. I'm leaving Newcastle as it should always have been and that's my greatest trophy because I was a part of it."