ALLAN SAINT-MAXIM insists he’s as good as Sadio Mane – but is let down by his wasteful Newcastle team-mates.
The modest Magpies’ magician also dreams of being as big an influence on sport as basketball all-time great Michael Jordan.
Allan Saint-Maximin aims to emulate NBA icon Michael Jordan and rates himself as highly as Liverpool striker Sadio Mane Credit: EPA
Sadio Mane has won the Champions League and Prem with Liverpool Credit: Rex French winger Saint-Maximin has been revered on Tyneside since arriving from Nice in 2019 arrival from Nice.
And the 25-year-old hopes he’ll develop the stats to match his hero status after the Saudi-backed Toon revamp their squad in the summer.
He already reckons he isn’t ‘jealous’ of electric Liverpool striker Mane – because he has the same ‘pure quality’ .
Paris-born Saint-Maximin has notched five goals and four assists in 32 Premier League games this term.
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That compares to 30-year-old Senegal superstar Mane netting 14 times and setting up three goals in his 31 Prem matches.
Despite soaring to tenth since Eddie Howe became manager in November, Newcastle have amassed just 40 goals from their 35 league games.
And Saint-Maximin told So Foot magazine: “Those who have played alongside me know full well that when it comes to pure quality, I have no cause to be jealous of Sadio Mane.
“The day I get a team-mate who is able to convert the chances I create, I will have ten to 15 successful assists every season.
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“That will increase my profile in people’s minds.”
Saint-Maximin also revealed he’s been inspired by ancient Greek philosophers Plato, Socrates and Aristotle.
And he aims to emulate Chicago Bulls icon Jordan, 59, who is commonly rated the NBA’s best ever player.
He explained: “My aim is to do things that leave a mark on people’s minds, and to change the rules.
“In a similar way to what Michael Jordan has managed to do. He has changed people’s lives.
“Jordan has given employment to people, and that is beautiful.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
