Martin Dubravka makes Newcastle United admission and…

Martin Dubravka makes Newcastle United admission and sets out ambition in emotive statement

Martin Dubravka has opened up on his ambitions for the new season with Newcastle United - insisting he feels right at home on Tyneside.

In a big interview ahead of the start of the new season Dubravka has vowed:

*To work as hard as he did as a raw 19-year-old at MSK Zilina

*Why he feels settled in friendly Newcastle

*How he couldn't have done more in pre-season

*His love affair with the Newcastle fanbase

Now settled with his partner and young son, Dubravka has been a major part of the club for almost five years between the sticks for Newcastle. Dubravka has made 130 appearances serving up a creditable 37 clean sheets for the Magpies despite being embroiled in relegation battles for much of that time.

During that time Dubravka has fought for his place with a range of keepers and now has fresh competition in England goalkeeper Nick Pope. But after making a good display against Athletic Bilbao, with his second half saves edging Newcastle to a win against the La Liga side, Dubravka is up for the challenge.

Dubravka told Chronicle Live: "I have ambitions to play obviously - and I am not going to hide that one, it's the same for everyone. The goalkeeper position is special and unique, only one can be on the pitch. Let's see what life will bring."

"Nothing has really changed. Competition is good for everyone. I have said that many times, everywhere I have been before I have had to fight for my position. I did everything I could in pre-season in my eyes - it's now up to the manager. So we will see."

Dubravka fought his way to the top after an early career with Zilina, Esbjerg, Slovan Liberec and Sparta Prague before stepping on to the Premier League stage at 29 before showing his class with a clean sheet against Manchester United. From that moment on he won a place in the hearts of the St James' Park faithful.

Dubravka's mantra of hard work will not change this season. He said: "I started to play when I was 19 and I had to prove then I deserved to take the shirt. At previous clubs, it's been the same situation.

"We know we are in the process of building the team so it's like that. And the only thing you can do is focus on the job - that's it."

The ovation Dubrvaka received as he headed towards the Gallowgate End against Bilbao was a great moment for the stopper who found himself injured 12 months ago when he missed the start of the season.

Dubravka added: "It is always special to play at St James' Park. They always give you that special welcome on to the field and all the way through. It's just a special place. That's why the appreciation is there after each game, we just want to give them something back."

The former Sparta Prague goalkeeper reflected: "I've been here nearly five years now. "This feels like my home. My little son was born here and I have a house here. I feel at home, the people are so nice here and I feel I can call them friends.

"It's a nice place to live and then the club speaks for itself, a fantastic club, huge club and amazing fanbase."

Dubravka staked his claim in pre-season with a string of good displays. Looking back on an intense summer he said: "It was a good way to finish off pre-season. "It was a good test for us and we played a couple of strong teams.

"Most people got 90 minutes so it all went well. They were both tough opponents against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao so it's credit to the lads because they did a great job but next week is the real test against Nottingham Forest."

Martin Dubravka makes Newcastle United admission and sets out ambition in emotive statement

READ NEXT