'It was not easy to leave': Martin Dubravka says it was hard to leave 'special' Newcastle United this summer
After seven years at St James' Park, Slovakian international goalkeeper Martin Dubravka left Newcastle United on a permanent basis this summer, joining Burnley.
Ever since Nick Pope arrived at Newcastle, Dubravka's future at the club had been uncertain.
Indeed, Dubravka felt the writing was on the wall immediately and pushed for a move, ending up at Manchester United on loan for a disastrous spell that was cut short halfway through.
Since then, Dubravka had forced his way back into Eddie Howe's thoughts, helped in no small part by Nick Pope picking up a shoulder injury. But so solid were his performances in Pope's absence that many fans protested that Dubravka should keep his spot even when Pope was fit.
Martin Dubravka says Newcastle is his second home
Dubravka's form was so good that Newcastle blocked a potential exit to Saudi Arabia and gave Dubravka a contract extension ... then proceeded to immediately drop him back to the bench.
It was a bit of a stab in the back that he didn't take too well, but despite that, the 36-year-old has looked back on his time in Newcastle with fondness as he told Sky Sports.
“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.”
Martin Dubravka has started life at Burnley very well
Dubravka knew Newcastle were looking to bring in another top 'keeper this summer, with James Trafford consistently linked with a move to Tyneside before he ended up back at Manchester City.
Newcastle ultimately signed Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton, which allowed Dubravka his opportunity to move on in search of regular first-team football.
Dubravka has started well at Burnley, making some top saves for the Clarets, and we wish him nothing but the best at his new club.
