Allan Saint-Maximin has moved to refute suggestion of criticism toward his team-mates.
Newcastle's exciting forward, who recently completed the interview with French magazine so foot, is adamant he has been misinterpreted.
The Frenchman took to Twitter on Friday morning to dispel any suggestion that he was criticising his team-mates.
The interview I did with Sofoot has been taken out of context and shortened on Twitter. I never said anything negative about my teammates, I simply said as any Newcastle fan would that I was looking forward to having an even better team so that we could progress collectively 1/2 https://t.co/p8CDR8fke8
— Allan Saint-Maximin (@asaintmaximin) May 6, 2022
"The interview I did with Sofoot has been taken out of context and shortened on Twitter," Saint-Maximin wrote.
"I never said anything negative about my teammates.
"I simply said - as any Newcastle fan would - that I was looking forward to having an even better team so that we could progress collectively and that as a result, I could also progress individually."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits he's had to speak to his players about the comments.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe calls clear-the-air meeting to prevent a 'fallout' after Allan Saint-Maximin appeared to criticise his team-mates in an interview | @CraigHope_DMhttps://t.co/eSIgoY3s3x
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) May 6, 2022
Howe is confident that the episode won't affect the morale in his squad.
"I think I need to make this clear," Howe said in his press conference.
"Allan's quotes didn't come across in the way that he meant them to.
"He was concerned yesterday.
"In no way did he mean to damage the team and the unity we've built."
Newcastle travel to the home of the champions on Sunday and all eyes will be on the team selection.
