Newcastle United asked me to stay during the January transfer window - so I did
Martin Dubravka has revealed how he went from almost leaving Newcastle United in January to signing a new contract.
Dubravka received an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab and admitted to thinking the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win at Arsenal could have been his last appearance for the club.
But shortly after that 2-0 victory at the Emirates, the 36-year-old held sit-down talks with head coach Eddie Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell. It was there he agreed to stay at St James’ Park.
Martin Dubravka opens up on almost leaving Newcastle United
And last week it was announced Dubravka had been rewarded with a new deal, which runs until 2026.
Asked how it feels to extend his contract, Dubravka told the club’s official matchday programme: “A relief because when we look back to the first week of December, when I had a conversation with Eddie [Howe], there was certainly interest from a Saudi club. Obviously my contract was running out, so l did not know what would happen for me, for my family.
“It looked like I might go, but then obviously Nick [Pope] got injured, I had a chance to play, and we had a run of victories and all of a sudden we didn't know what was going to happen now, because I needed to be prepared for both scenarios.
“I still had a contract here until the summer, so we needed to respect that fact as well.
“After Arsenal, we sat down together with the gaffer and Paul Mitchell, and we decided that for both parties it would be best if I stayed in the club. I think they respect the fact that I didn't push to leave, even though the offer was clear and on the table.
“Yeah, it was very emotional for me, because it looked like I might be gone after the game.
“Actually, I spent some days in London after that - we had some days off - but I did not know what would happen, because I needed to wait for the guys from the club. It was very hectic.”
Martin Dubravka hears Newcastle United chant
Dubravka had tears in his eyes when serenaded by the travelling supporters in North London. Five days later, the Slovakian was back in between the sticks for the FA Cup third round tie against Bromley at St James’ Park, where chants of ‘Martin Dubravka, we want you to stay’ were heard loud and clear.
“It meant a lot to me,” Dubravka revealed. “It's hard to describe your feelings when that many people actually show you that much love, that much support.
“We already started to negotiate, actually, at that time with the club, and I wanted to put something on the internet - 'you want me to stay? OK, then I'll stay!' I'm glad I can say I'm staying now.
“It was very uncertain - 'is he staying or is he leaving?' Obviously now the transfer window is closed so people know that I'm staying, but not until this week that I’d extended the contract.
“I can't believe it’s been seven years here. Everything's gone so fast. I'm not the youngest, but just to be part of this club even longer is a special feeling.”