Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has spoken about the abuse he received by his own fans for moving to Manchester United on loan.
The Slovakian joined Manchester United on a season-long loan in September following Nick Pope’s arrival, but he made just three appearances for the Reds before the deal was cut short in January.
Newcastle fans couldn’t understand why Dubraka left to play second fiddle behind David de Gea, yet he’s sat on the bench since returning to the club apart from making one appearance off the bench.
Speaking about the abusive messages he received, along with members of his family, Dubravka said (via The Sun): “Some of the messages were very harsh.
“Some of them were very offensive, to my family and myself.
“I was thinking, ‘do I deserve this, after five years behind here, trying to do my best for the club?”
Shameful stuff from Newcastle fans – completely ignoring the fact the move was temporary and how Eddie Howe had signed a replacement for the No.1 role.
Dubravka felt he had no other choice but to delete his Twitter account as a result. He added: “The abuse there… I didn’t expect that.
“I thought that when I was leaving that I’d always given my best for the club, for the fans.
“They are the best fans and they give a lot to the team, and they want loyalty back from the players.
“But I’ve been loyal to the club for five years – I stuck with the club through bad times when we really struggled and needed points.
“I refused to leave at that time when other clubs made offers for me.
“I thought the fans would appreciate that and maybe understand my new situation.
“I knew De Gea is a legend, I knew the position I went there in, but I went because there were more competitions and potential games to play. That was the only reason.”
Dubravka has two years left on his deal at Newcastle, where he considers home despite the abusive behaviour from their fans.
He said: “To be in Manchester was a big challenge, it is a huge club, a huge fan base, but this is my home. My son was born here and is a Geordie.
“There was the other side of the fans who appreciated the time I’ve spent here, and they showed me love even when I came back.
“I always said this is the place where I found great people. They deserve success.”
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