Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin used to get fined every day but he defended himself with a good reason.
Back in 2019, Saint-Maximin joined Newcastle from French Ligue 1 side Nice in a deal worth £20 million.
Since then, he has been one of the Magpies’ most important players and fast became a fans’ favourite.
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However, he has found it tough to impress since Eddie Howe took over at St. James’ Park.
According to Jonjo Shelvey, Saint-Maximin used to be fined every day for being late and wearing jewellery. But former Newcastle coach Stephen Clemence said his lateness was due to taking his kids to school rather than late-night drinking.
He told The Times: “I’ve worked with great professionals who’ve been great football players, like John Terry at Villa, James Chester [at Hull and Villa], Robert Snodgrass [Hull and Villa], but Jack [Grealish] and Allan [Saint-Maximin] are the best two things I’ve ever seen on a training pitch.
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“To work with someone like Jack is phenomenal. I’ve never seen a talent like his. You just can’t get the ball off him. He carries the ball so well; he’s a great lad, he’ll listen, he doesn’t think he knows it all. We still speak now and again.
“Allan can do things at speed with a football which you just don’t think are even possible. He cuts inside, he has got end product, there’s no doubt about that. The problem he’s found is that people know what he’s going to do more now and people are doubling up, tripling up on him, but he can go past people so, so easily.”
He continued: “He’s a nice lad as well, quite laid-back. Sometimes he used to annoy some of the lads as he turned up a little bit late. But he wasn’t out drinking at night. He’d be late because he’d be taking his kids to school. I can’t say I taught him too much because he’s just a natural talent. We tried to help him defensively.”
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In recent weeks, Saint Maximin’s future has been thrown into uncertainty after a tough season.
However, it has been reported that the Frenchman would like to stay with the club next season in order to fight for his place.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Allan Saint-Maximin, Football, Newcastle United, Premier League