Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin has revealed he attracted interest during the January transfer window due to his lack of playing time in recent weeks.
Saint-Maximin played 69 minutes of Newcastle’s draw with West Ham before being replaced by January signing Anthony Gordon.
Saint-Maximin was one of the first names on the team sheet for previous Newcastle manager Steve Bruce and was quickly a fans favourite due to his exciting style of play. However, he has found minutes somewhat limited under Eddie Howe, starting just six games in all competitions this season.
have been a major factor in his lack of match action, losing his place in the side just as Newcastle hit their best run of form with Willock and Almiron making themselves undroppable. Saint-Maximin was linked with a move away from the club as a result, with teams like AC Milan, said to be interested in him.
However, the 25-year-old Frenchman said he was happy to stay at St James’ Park in order to help Newcastle qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Speaking after making a rare top-flight start in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with West Ham, Saint Maximin said: “I want to be honest because I’m not going to lie. When you are in the situation (of not playing much) for sure, a lot of teams can see that, and a lot of teams can can think it’s the right opportunity to come and buy the player.
“I’m very proud to be here for sure, but the most important thing for me is to play and I will always try to be in a position where I play every game, because I don’t play football to be on the bench.
“But sometimes you need to understand the situation, and as I said, when I was in, the team didn’t lose any game and I did my job and when I was not there the team kept playing well and didn’t lose as well.
“So you need to understand that if we lose games and I stay on the bench, it would be different. I will never accept that situation. But when the team does so well, especially when you love the players, you cannot only be a nice guy when you play, I’m not like that. I believe a lot in God.
“Even when I didn’t play, I tried to pray for the team because finally we are together. And if we go to the Champions League, we’re going to go all together. So that’s the most important for all of us.”
Saint-Maximin — who was linked with a move to AC Milan — has made just five starts in the Premier League this season but is happy to bide his time due to Newcastle’s success. Despite his lack of game time, the former Nice man has still managed to record one goal and three assists in the top flight.
Newcastle, who are fourth in the Premier League, are next in action on Saturday when Eddie Howe’s side travel to Bournemouth.
