Martin Dubravka says he has “wonderful memories” of his time at Newcastle after joining Manchester United on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day.
The 33-year-old initially arrived Newcastle on loan from Sparta Prague in January 2018 before signing on a permanent basis once his loan deal expired. He played every Premier League game for Newcastle in back-to-back seasons in 2018/19 and 2019/20 respectively, before a heel injury ended a run of 88 consecutive league appearances for the Magpies.
Karl Darlow initially kept him out of the side when Dubravka returned from a three-month injury layoff but the Slovakian international regained his place for the final 13 games. A foot injury sustained during pre-season once again deprived him of featuring in the opening weeks of last season.
He was restored between the sticks last November and played an instrumental role as Newcastle climbed away from the relegation mire to finish 11th place under Eddie Howe. Nick Pope has displaced Dubravka since arriving from Burnley in the summer but Dubravka insists that Newcastle will always have a place in his heart.
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“We spent almost five beautiful years in Newcastle, but from a sporting point of view it was often very difficult, as we mostly played for survival,” Dubravka revealed in an interview with Slovakian outlet Sport.
He continued: “We didn’t have the opportunity to think about competing in the higher ranks, even though it turned out to be quite interesting in the end. But I have wonderful memories of Newcastle.
“My son was born there, so there will always be a bit of Newcastle with me and in me, but when Manchester United called, we [Dubravka and his partner Lucia] were both enchanted. Newcastle made this transfer possible for me and I am glad it was successful and she [Lucia] is also looking forward to a new experience and challenge.”
Dubravka was also being lined up as a possible replacement for Kasper Schmeichel, who left Leicester City after 11 years at the club to join OGC Nice in the summer.
There was also interest from Germany and Belgium but Dubravka revealed that he had no interest in leaving England. Once the call from Man United came, Dubravka says there was only one decision to make.
“I had an ambition to stay in the British Isles,” Dubravka said. “When [Man] United showed interest in me, the ‘man’ in me came alive again.
“There were more offers that I thought about until the possibility of going to United came up. After all, none of the offers could match this one.
“I’m currently here and I’m looking forward to being a part of such an incredible club. It has always been my ambition to be part of a club that is fighting for the biggest trophies and now it is a reality. I never made a secret of it, and now it is.”
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