'Without fans, I'd not be here now', Allan Saint-Maximin exclusive interview on past, future and present; Allan Saint-Maximin opens up on his time as a Newcastle star.

Byline: By, Lee Ryder

Allan Saint-Maximin's sweatshirt amusingly reads "No comment" as he sits down to talk about his story so far at Newcastle United.

It proves to be a contradiction in terms as Saint-Maximin opens up about his highs and lows at St James' Park.

Saint-Maximin candidly stated last summer that the club should be aiming for the top 10 and fighting for one of the domestic cups.

As we settle down for a chat via Zoom direct from Jeddah to the Geordie Riviera, Saint-Maximin -who has now twice been voted the Chronicle' Fans' Footballer of the Year in 2020 and 2021 -is not instantly drawn back to talk of his ambition.

In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle the French ace insisted:

His love affair with Toon supporters has kept him on board

Focus on the survival battle ahead is the only thing on his agenda

Why he now feels he's at a club that are building the "best team they can"

Why things have gone wrong this season and how they can be fixed

His personal motivation to help feed thousands in the city via donations to the West End Foodbank

Saint-Maximin's onfield contributions of five goals and three assists have given the club a fighting chance of Premier League survival.

In another season, their paltry 15-point tally would probably have the Magpies cut adrift, instead they live to fight another day.

The much-maligned Magpies went out of both cups at the first hurdle and sit uncomfortably in the relegation zone with 17 games to go.

Unfortunately, there'll be no silverware this year and the top 10 isn't on the agenda.

Saint-Maximin could arguably have quit United last summer after two seasons of fighting relegation but admits he is now emotionally connected to the city and told the Chronicle: "I have a really good relationship with the fans -if I didn't have this relationship with the Newcastle supporters I'd not be here now.

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"So the supporters are really important to me, I love them, I love the club.

"The supporters help me play better. I will never forget that.

"That's why I want to do my best to save the team this season.

"After that, we will see what happens and if we are safe.

"Safety is the most important thing for me at this time."

Saint-Maximin's dreams of turning Newcastle into a top 10 club or winning a trophy are no different to any United fan.

After 14 years of Mike Ashley, any talk of ambition was played down by club insiders.

Maps to Europe were shelved and...

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