Martin Dubravka reveals Martin Skrtel urged him to join Newcastle

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has revealed that Martin Skrtel had played a pivotal role in him joining the Magpies last year. Skrtel had a fond relationship with Magpies boss Rafael Benitez during their time together at Liverpool,and Dubravka has acknowledged that his Slovakian compatrioturged him to make the switch to St James Park.

In a report covered by Goal.com, the Magpies number one said: “It was difficult to leave Sparta. That was my team. Obviously if you have the chance to play in the Premier League you take this opportunity. I spoke to Martin Skrtel. He said go, great fans, amazing city and great stadium. He only said positive things about the gaffer.”

Dubravka joined the Magpies during the backend of the previous campaign on a short-term loan and he managed to produce a string of top-notch performances as they managed to comfortably beat the drop in the end. As such, the Tyneside outfit had no objections in pursuing him on a permanent basis in the summer and he has continued to remain consistent between the sticks for Benitez’s team, who are on course to remain in the Premier League next term.

“The Tyneside outfit were recently on a five-match winning streak on their home patch“ but that run ended against Crystal Palace, where they succumbed to a disappointing 1-0 loss despite dominating the proceedings. Next up, they are scheduled to face Leicester City on the road and the match should “pose a difficult challenge“ ,given the Foxes have secured four league wins on the bounce.

Meanwhile, the Magpies appear on course to avoid relegation from the Premier League with seven points splitting them from the drop zone. Cardiff City, who are currently 18th on the table, have a game in hand over Benitez’s team, but they need to secure regular victories in order to threaten the Magpies’ position by the end of the season.