Martin Dubravka has explained his decision to leave Newcastle United for a loan stint with Manchester United last season and insists anybody else would have done likewise.
The Slovakia international, however, has insisted he still sees Newcastle as his "home club" and is looking forward to bringing his Champions League experience to the table next term. Dubravka played in the competition with MSK Zilina earlier in this career and would love to do it again on Tyneside.
Dubravka asked for a loan move to Old Trafford in the aftermath of Nick Pope arriving last summer. It was a decision that caused plenty of conversation in the fanbase.
READ MORE: Newcastle transfer news LIVE: Saint-Maximin 'could push' for Magpies exit
Explaining his decision to sign for the Red Devils, Dubravka told Chronicle Live: "For a player that used to play every week, it is not easy to find yourself in a different situation. I was (on his return in January) just trying to create the competition for my colleagues.
"That is my mentality and I will never do anything to stab them in the back. I am still part of this club and I am very proud of that. Some fans might look at me going to Manchester United last summer and not understand why. "They don't see my situation from my perspective.
"I was just trying to find a position where I could play. Any of them who would be in my position they would probably make the same decision. In the last few months, I have been back at my 'home club' and I always feel very welcome here. The fans are incredible."
Dubravka put in a solid display on the last game of the season at Chelsea in the 1-1 draw and made some key saves. But was it his last match for the Magpies?
Dubravka said: "If you want to ask me, I am not desperate to leave the club. I am very attached to this club. I had different offers (to leave) in previous years when we were competing to survive in the Premier League.
"But this club means something to me. As I say for now, for me it is enjoying the moment because it's been a tough season for me personally. At the same time, it was an incredible season for my colleagues. So it is a little bit of mixed feelings but I always put my team ahead of me."
Newcastle will return for pre-season training knowing they can keep on dreaming about the draw for the Champions League group stages. Dubravka indicated he wants to be part of it.
He said: "I have played in the Champions League before. So I know it will be a completely different mood. I think the fans will see that and the whole city will see it. It will be absolutely mental for the lads.
"For myself as well, I still want to be part of the team. It is going to be interesting for everyone because everyone wants to be involved. We will have much more games to play so we need to have the squad as well."
Although, Newcastle have already been linked with other goalkeepers this summer. A reshuffle in the goalie department is also likely with Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie's futures yet to be decided and Dubravka also not 100% on whether he will stay.
Dubravka said: "It's hard to predict what is going to happen. I was happy to be on the pitch at Chelsea.
"I enjoyed every minute and the atmosphere from our fans. It would be better to have signed off with a win but we can't be greedy."
READ NEXT
Joelinton's Brazil selection testament to Eddie Howe's coaching
