Dubravka: It’s a privilege to play for Newcastle
MARTIN Dubravka says he is proud to have reached a century of starts for Newcastle United and called playing for the club ‘a privilege.’
The Slovakian shot-stopper marked his 100th appearance for the Magpies with a number of stunning saves in the 4-2 victory at Leicester City.
Dubravka joined the Magpies on loan in January 2018 and made an instant impact by making several outstanding stops in a 1-0 win over Manchester United at St James’ Park.
Newcastle opted to sign the keeper from Sparta Prague on a permanent basis in the summer of that year and he has made the starting berth his own, despite competition from Karl Darlow.
Dubravka, who signed a six-year contract in October 2019, said he loves the club, the fans and the city and is enjoying playing in what he considers the best league in the world.
“The biggest motivation always has been to play in one of the best leagues in the world and I am happy that I am in the best league in the world,” said the goalkeeper, who missed the first half of the season due to injury.
“To reach 100 appearances would be a massive success for me and this was the target for me before so I am happy that I have reached it.”
When Dubravka initially joined United, it was something of a whirlwind move and he barely had time to pack.
He told his agent to agree terms as quickly as possible, winning a permanent move and then an improved contract after establishing himself as one of the best keepers in England.
Dubravka is delighted with how things have turned out from a career perspective but also from a personal one.
“Newcastle is a great size of city,” he said while taking part in the club’s latest Zoom Army feature.
“It is not massive, it is a good size and you have everything that you need and some nice places to visit.
“You can go to Tynemouth which is always nice to be there when it is good weather. I like the people when they talk and even the Geordie accent, I quite enjoy that. “It was difficult to understand for us but I am doing my best! “There is nothing I can say against it seriously but it is up north so the weather could be better.”
Of the move back in 2018, he added: “When my agent called me and said Newcastle were interested in me I was super happy because I know how big Newcastle is as a club and the fanbase the club has as well.
“I didn’t wait, I was like, ‘Give me the contract!’ It was a massive step for me in my career so I couldn’t wait.
“I have said it many times, I feel at home here. I love the club, I love the fans, I like the people around the club so it is beautiful for me to be here and it is such a privilege to represent a club like this.”
One of the other questions posed of Dubravka was of a less serious nature as he was asked how it felt to be on the receiving end of a slap from team-mate Matt Ritchie.
The Scotland international has gained a cult following for the overexuberant way he slaps his teammates while celebrating goals and other key contributions, as well as his general intensity on the pitch.
After collecting a cross away at Leicester, a winded Dubravka asked Ritchie to slap his back to help him try to regain his breath.
“I remember that one,” Dubravka quipped.
“It was a cross and I couldn’t breathe so Matty was the closest one. I said, ‘Matty, just slap my back,’ but I didn’t expect him to have that much power!
“It wasn’t the best but it helped.”
I feel at home here... It is beautiful for me to be here and it is such a privilege to represent a club like this Martin Dubravka