ST JAMES BOND
Dubravka reveals outpouring of love from Toon Army persuaded him to sign four-year deal
MARTIN DUBRAVKA has revealed the special bond that meant he simply couldn’t walk away from Newcastle.
The St James’ Park cult hero signed a four-year contract worth around £2million a year yesterday, after earning the right to a permanent deal following a brilliant loan spell at the club.
And the 29-year-old Slovakian admitted that he has never known anything like the passion and support from the club’s incredible fans... and was simply blown away when they singled him for special praise at the end of a tough campaign.
“It’s hard to put it into words, because it’s something special. It means a lot,” he said. “The last game against
Chelsea, I’ve never had that feeling. When they chanted my name it was special. I didn’t want to walk away, I wanted to stay and enjoy it.
“I really appreciate the way the fans supported us, home and away. I’ve never seen anything like that before. They give us energy and that helps us to play well and give 100 per cent. I’m happy that I can be part of that relationship.”
Dubravka admits he had a low profile before signing on loan from Sparta Prague, but he became an instant hit with the Geordies.
“The first game helped a lot in a new team,” he added.
“Nobody knew who I was and then suddenly I was playing against Manchester United with my team-mates. “I’m very excited for next season. It is a great dressing room with great players who helped me a lot.
“I’m looking forward to the new season, to sticking together and having the fans with us.”
Dubravka’s arrival, for around £4m, could be swiftly followed by a second. Another of last season’s successful loanees, Kenedy, is close to agreeing terms on a permanent deal from Chelsea.
Toon boss Rafa Benitez has offered the 22-year-old Brazilian winger assurances about a regular starting place in the first team.
That seems likely to sway him despite interest from clubs like Arsenal, where he would not be a first-choice player.
Kenedy does not want to go through his Chelsea experience again where he was banished to a marginal role, and he sees Newcastle as the perfect place to get vital experience at the highest level.
Newcastle have been linked with Sassuolo defender Gian Marco Ferrari, but have been given little hope of a shock deal for 34-year-old former Liverpool and Spain striker Fernando Torres.