Allan Saint-Maximin admits that he feels he has found his “family” at Newcastle United and has revealed his “love” for head coach Steve Bruce.
Through his actions on the pitch and on social media, the former striker from Nice quickly established himself as a fan favorite after moving to St. James’ Park last summer.
Saint-Maximin has previously stated that it is his dream to play in the Premier League and he believes that his affinity for the Toon army stems from the long line of French wingers who shine in black and white like Hatem Ben Arfa and Laurent Robert and David Ginola.
The 23-year-old talks to Manchester City ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-finals that he feels he has found a “family” in which he believes his skills are trustworthy.
Saint-Maximin told BBC Sport: “Good clubs wanted me in Italy, Spain or Germany. But I’ve already told you, I really want to be in the Premier League because it’s the best in the world.”
“I know if I develop there after I can go anywhere. Newcastle has come and given me a lot of confidence and they did a lot of things before I came.
“I spoke to Steve Bruce and he spoke very well to me and I really liked the feeling. It is a family in Newcastle and it is exactly what I need to go to a place that trust me and believe in me.
“This is important. If you go somewhere where people think that this guy is not too good, you don’t feel too good. Since my first training session, they have really felt that this player can do something.
“Newcastle has a long history and a lot of players who play a little bit like me, so I think the fans like me because of that.”
Saint-Maximin has scored four times in 23 black-and-white games and scored the first goal in the first win against Sheffield United.
However, the French striker is convinced that he can play “much better” and has found out why he has such a positive relationship with the Magpies head coach.
Saint-Maximin added: “I love a coach like Steve Bruce because he believes in me. He believes in me a lot.
“Sometimes you feel like a player like me doesn’t like to defend, I just like to attack, score and dribble. But with Steve Bruce he will give you some things when he talks to you, you want to help him and go and fight, tackle.
“He gives it to me because he trusts me and I want to do everything for him. That’s why I really like Steve Bruce and he likes the way I play and defend so that everything is good.”
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