SCHAR HAILS HIS ‘MOST BEAUTIFUL’ SEASON

FABIAN Schar has opened up on the ‘most beautiful’ season of his career after helping Newcastle United to qualify for the Champions League. The Switzerland international lavished Eddie Howe with praise while also hailing the club’s investment and transfer strategy since the takeover in October 2021.

Schar arrived at St James’ Park in the summer of 2018, and initially shone in a back three in Rafa Benitez’s final season on Tyneside.

However, the defender later struggled to convince Steve Bruce, and was frozen out.

Schar had looked set to leave last summer as a free agent, but was convinced to sign a new two-year deal. The 31-year-old told Swiss outlet BlueWin via Sport Witness: “For me it was the best and most beautiful season of my entire career.

“I have never felt more comfortable in a place than in Newcastle.

“The cooperation in the team and with the coaching staff is unprecedented. I feel a great sense of happiness and a lot of gratitude for being able to experience this phase.

“He’s (Howe) the best coach of my career. It’s difficult to define in just one area. He has so many good facets. His training theory is first class, there is not even a hint of boredom in any meeting.

“What he announces always makes sense. The way he meets me on a personal level suits me extremely well. People are important to him.

“This is an outstanding component for him. You can discuss very private matters with him. I’m in a very familiar relationship with him.

“The new owners have invested very carefully and made clever transfers. There was no sign of a spending spree. Instead, some funds have been put into infrastructure. They did a really good job.”