'Every year people think I'll leave', Allan Saint-Maximin's verdict on life and his future at Newcastle

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.

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