I was forced to delete my Twitter after getting horrific abuse from my own fans over Man Utd loan move
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NEWCASTLE keeper Martin Dubravka revealed his hurt at the abuse dished out by the Toon Army for moving to Manchester United on loan.
The Slovakian joined the Red Devils on a season-long switch in September following Nick Pope’s arrival.
Dubravka, 34, made just three appearances for United and fans questioned why he left to play second fiddle behind David de Gea.
The loan was cut short in January and he is back on the Magpies bench behind Pope having been number one since arriving from Sparta Prague in 2018.
And Dubravka said: “Some of the messages were very harsh.
“Some of them were very offensive, to my family and myself.
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“I was thinking, ‘do I deserve this, after five years being here, trying to do my best for the club?’”
Dubravka deleted his Twitter account, adding: “The abuse there…I didn’t expect that.
“I thought that when I was leaving that I’d always given my best for the club, for the fans.
“They are the best fans and they give a lot to the team, and they want loyalty back from the players.
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“But I’ve been loyal to the club for five years - I stuck with the club through bad times when we really struggled and needed points.
“I refused to leave at that time when other clubs made offers for me.
“I thought the fans would appreciate that and maybe understand my new situation.
“I knew De Gea is a legend, I knew the position I went there in, but I went because there were more competitions and potential games to play. That was the only reason."
Dubravka, whose deal runs for another two years, has made just one appearance off the bench since returning to Tyneside.
He said: “To be in Manchester was a big challenge, it is a huge club, a huge fan base, but this is my home. My son was born here and is a Geordie.
“There was the other side of the fans who appreciated the time I’ve spent here, and they showed me love even when I came back.
“I always said this is the place where I found great people. They deserve success.”