Jonjo Shelvey: The former Newcastle United midfielder says he did not move to Dubai for the money

This is not meant to be an insult to the community Shelvey left behind.

Despite Shelvey being uprooted from the UK, the 33-year-old said the North East was “the only place he would want to live there”.

He said: “There is a debate about whether Newcastle is able to attract top players compared to Manchester clubs and London clubs, but until you go there, you do not understand what it does to you.”

“There are a lot of things to do. I don’t care what anyone says. If the players are going to listen to this, then there’s no need to think about going out there and playing football.

“You won’t find love at a football club like you found at Newcastle, with the way they treat their players and how much they support you.”

Shelvey has spent more time at Newcastle than any other club – seven years in total after his move from Swansea City – and said he was “honoured” to represent the club and wear the captain’s armband on occasion.

As well as staying on after relegation in 2016, and playing his part in bringing Newcastle back to the top flight, Shelvey also helped ensure the club remained in the top flight.

He even scored what proved to be a “phenomenal” goal against Leeds United as Newcastle began to move away from danger three and a half years ago.

It ended up proving a turning point under manager Eddie Howe.

“If I hadn’t recorded it, the club would have collapsed!” He said. “I’m joking. Looking back, you don’t realize how important the goal is, and to be fair, the goalkeeper [Illan Meslier] Throw one in for us. The life was stripped from him.

“But I only have good things to say about my time at Newcastle. I loved it. Even when I first got the call about going there, I drove 12 hours from Swansea because of the traffic. I just wanted to get there, do the medical and sign.

“I experienced playing against Newcastle at St James’ Park and you get a real buzz, but you never understand how big the club is until you’re there.”