Jonjo Shelvey: Former Newcastle United midfielder says he hasn’t moved to Dubai for money

That’s not to say it’s an affront to the community Shelvey left behind.

Although Shelvey has left the UK, the 33-year-old said the north east was “the only place he would want to live”.

“There is this debate about Newcastle’s ability to attract big players compared to clubs in Manchester and London, but until you go there you don’t understand what it does to you,” he said.

“There’s a lot to do. I don’t care what anyone says. If the players want to listen to that, it’s a no-brainer to go out there and play football.

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

Shelvey spent more time at Newcastle than any other team – seven years in total after leaving Swansea City – and said he was “honoured” to have represented the club and worn the captain’s armband on occasion.

As well as staying on after relegation in 2016 and playing his part in Newcastle’s direct comeback, Shelvey also helped ensure the club subsequently remained in the top flight.

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

It ended up being a turning point in head coach Eddie Howe’s reign.

“If I hadn’t scored that, the club would have fallen!” he said. “I’m joking. Looking back, you don’t realize what an important goal it was and, to be honest, the goalkeeper [Illan Meslier] he threw one at us. I took my life away.

“But I have nothing but good things to say about my time at Newcastle. I loved it. Even when I first got the call to go, I drove 12 hours from Swansea because of the traffic. I just wanted to go, get my medical and get signed.

“I played against Newcastle at St James’ Park and you get a real buzz, but you never understand the size of the club until you’re there.”