Allan Saint-Maximin has suggested he would leave Newcastle United if he faced another lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Frenchman missed most of the campaign with a hamstring injury suffered in the dying embers at Wolverhampton Wanderers back in August.
Ironically, Saint-Maximin was the last-gasp hero that day - scoring a stunning 90th-minute equaliser - but he would not start another Premier League game until February. Newcastle battled for Champions League football in his absence - a feat they can still achieve at the end of the campaign.
Saint-Maximin has featured more in recent months, starting six of the Magpies’ previous seven games - including the Carabao Cup final. Question marks had arisen over his future, especially with Anthony Gordon’s big-money move from Everton.
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The prospect of selling the winger seemed ludicrous before the Saudi-backed takeover as, at times, his brilliance was the reason fans still attended matches. However, this fresh, ambitious side - backed by Saudi Arabian billions - are not as reliant on their mercurial maverick.
Saint-Maxmin admitted there have been frustrations this season and hinted at a possible exit should he endure more time on the bench. He told Sky Sports: “I have nothing to say when the team win. If the team win and play better when I am not there, I have nothing to say. I will never complain like how some players do. It’s not my personality.
“But for sure, it’s different if I feel like I don't deserve to be on the bench and the team lose. The feeling will be different. When people show you the respect you deserve, there is nothing to say.
“I want to play, for sure. If I don’t play any games, I will never stay in a situation where I don't play. Now, I’m a different player. I work harder than I did before. I am more professional than before and I try to put myself in the best position to help the team.
“I have improved the way I play. I want to say thanks to the players at Newcastle and the manager as well. Three years ago when I came, I was a different player.”
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