Relationship with the boss is a big deal for me, says French ace

ALLAN Saint-Maximin has revealed how his relationship with Steve Bruce played a huge role in him signing a new six-year deal at Newcastle United.

The French winger, who has been Newcastle’s talisman since joining from Nice in the summer of 2019, has extended his stay on Tyneside until 2026.

Saint-Maximin feels the relationship he has developed with

Bruce has allowed him to flourish on Tyneside.

After penning a new deal at Newcastle, the 23-year-old revealed he hopes he can continue to work under the head coach’s tutelage for a “long time”.

Saint Maximin said: “I have had a lot of trainers but I have never had a trainer like Steve Bruce.

“You have the professional side and you have the human side and the human side is really important for me.

“Steve Bruce comes to me a lot of times to speak not only about football but to see how I feel here because I am French, I am not an English player.

“He comes in and talks to me and he tries to do everything he can to make me feel better.

“These things can make a big difference and I really like this coach. I hope we can stay working together a long time.”

Saint-Maximin hopes Newcastle can establish themselves as a top-10 side and is confident the Magpies will continue to sign players of the ilk of Callum Wilson to improve.

He added: “The club has to keep going with this and I have to keep playing well, give my best – and if we do this Newcastle can be in the top 10 and maybe even higher.”