Allan Saint-Maximin made his vows clear last July when he stated he did not want to spend another season trying to avoid the drop in the Premier League with Newcastle United.
As the Magpies head into their final six games of what has been a fraught campaign at times, Saint-Maximin's desire of summer 2021 to finish in the top 10 could yet be fulfilled. Although, for most of the season, Newcastle have indeed been fighting against relegation in the top-flight.
That, however, is merely down to the club's bad start. Since the turn of the year, Newcastle have been in Champions League qualification form and sit third in the table only behind Liverpool and Manchester City.
READ MORE - Massively humbling, David Kelly verdict on banner
Saint-Maximin was asked directly about his future on Soccer AM this weekend and as United look to finish the season in style, the former Nice star shrugged his shoulders when asked by Chronicle Live whether he got sick of being asked such questions. Last Friday said he'd like to stay "a long time" but he will assess his options in May.
For all Saint-Maximin hasn't been in the best form in the last handful of matches, without him Newcastle could easily have gone down in 2020 or 2021. Without him in 2021/22 they could also have been doomed.
Saint-Maximin told Chronicle Live: "To be honest every year people think I am going to leave. And finally I stay.
"I stayed because I love the club and love the supporters. I will see what is happening and what is the best for my future. At this time, I really want to be focused. And after the season I will decide what I will do."
Should Newcastle add to the quality they already have with players like Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar, Matt Targett and Joelinton plus a clutch of others, there may not be a more exciting place to be next season.
As Newcastle sit three points away from the top 10 spot Saint-Maximin pinpointed last summer, he knows a more than respectable finish is up for grabs. Some may even call it a miracle if United earned their first upper half finish since 2018.
The French star reflected: "We just want to win games - and as many as possible. We want to start aiming higher than just not going down. I'm really proud of the team and we need to keep going to do the same. The aim is not to be looking over our shoulders or be avoiding going down.
"We just want to look higher and see where is the highest we can possibly finish. We just need to keep going game by game, one single game at a time and we'll be sure to do that. If we do that I am sure we will be in a great position at the end of the season."
If Newcastle show the grit and determination they managed against Leicester City on Easter Sunday they will be in with a shout. On that given day, it was Bruno who showed he was prepared to dig deeper than most.
Saint-Maximin said: "It was a huge victory for sure. We're really happy with this win and I am really happy for Bruno because he deserves a lot, he works so hard for the team and you can see what he gives to the team."
The next five days could possibly decide which end of the table Newcastle will finish in and Saint-Maximin knows it. He said: "It's a really important win for us against Leicester. We have two important games coming up in Crystal Palace and Norwich so we know if we do everything to win we will be in a great position."
Despite some difficult moments in the last couple of games, Saint-Maximin has found himself lifted by the Gallowgate End. It is the type of encouragement you don't see at every club.
Saint-Maximin said: "The supporters are always behind us. You know, when you see what has happened with the club, they really deserve that. And much better things will come in the summer, so I am so happy for them."
The hint on Saint-Maximin's next career episode may well be in the line above.
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
