‘Shafted Newcastle United hard’ - Supporters rave about ‘special’ player who recently left St James’ Park
Burnley supporters are loving Martin Dubravka between the sticks following his move from Newcastle United.
Burnley supporters have taken to social media to hail Martin Dubravka’s impact since leaving Newcastle United.
Dubravka bid an emotional farewell in the summer after seven years at St James’ Park and 179 appearances. The Slovak was integral during the latter days of Mike Ashley before being replaced by Nick Pope.
However, Dubravka contributed to the Carabao Cup run last season - playing in both semi-final wins over Arsenal - to postpone talk of a Saudi Pro League switch. The 36-year-old ultimately left in August to pursue first-team football at Burnley.
Newcastle United farewell
Dubravka called Tyneside his “second home” shortly after joining Burnley. He told Sky Sports. “It is amazing. I can call Newcastle my second home. I found beautiful people there, so many friends.
“I was there when we fought for the relegation, then I was there when we went through the transition. I was also there when we competed with the top teams, bringing the trophy after so many years back to Newcastle. So I'm glad that they are going in the right direction.
“It’s a sleeping giant, and now, finally, it's the right time for them to shine again. I will always have a great memory about the whole city, the whole club. It was not easy to leave because, once you're there, you feel a connection, a bond with the fans, with the whole club, with the people around the club as well.”
First-team football key
Dubravka also highlighted how the possibility of first-team football was too good to turn down. He added: “So it was not easy, but sometimes you need to make these kind of decisions. Obviously, I'm not the youngest. In my situation, I felt like I still feel that I can play on a regular basis, and all of a sudden this opportunity came.
“So I thought it’s the right time for me to try something else, and I'm grateful for that. But I also said that I'm grateful for my time in Newcastle, and a massive thank you for them, because it was just a special place for me.”
Burnley loving Martin Dubravka
Burnley fans have been blown away by Dubravka’s start to life at Turf Moor. The former Toon goalkeeper pulled off a fine 94th-minute save to deny Santi Bueno yesterday.
With the Clarets heading towards a tight victory, Dubravka dived low to his left before being congratulated by his teammates. Scott Parker’s men now sit five points above the drop zone and the Slovak is being called the best £2million signing in Premier League history.