GEOR-DROPPING
Newcastle ace Matty Longstaff donates 30 per cent of £850-a-week wages to NHS as fans hail ‘one of their own’
The hometown hero shot to prominence in October when he scored the winner against Manchester United on his league debut in front of the Gallowgate End.
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Alongside older brother Sean, he won the hearts of football fans everywhere with his passionate reaction - having just achieved something beyond his wildest imagination.
And he has now earned the affections of fans once again, after it emerged that he is donating a hefty chunk of his modest £850-a-week wages to the NHS, as it works tirelessly to protect the British people from coronavirus.
The report that the 20-year-old is taking part in the #PlayersTogether initiative set up by the Premier League's 20 captains last week.
Longstaff is still on the same contract that he signed back in 2018, his first professional deal.
And he is one of many stars facing an uncertain future, with his contract set to expire on June 30.
Should Newcastle fail to reach an agreement over an extension, they stand to lose one of their star prospects for just £400,000 in compensation.
Obviously, I want to stay at Newcastle. But the biggest thing for me is just to carry on playing well, and that will take care of itself.
Matty Longstaff
Longstaff has made 12 senior appearances for the Magpies, also netting in the reverse fixture against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
When asked about his future earlier in the season, his desire to stay at St James' Park was clear.
He said: "Obviously, I want to stay at Newcastle. But the biggest thing for me is just to carry on playing well, and that will take care of itself."
The popular star's NHS gesture hasn't gone unnoticed with supporters online... and neither has his salary.
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One fan wrote: "Absolute legend £850 a week for a premier league squad player is a joke, when he leaves for pastures new I wish him all the best. Penny pinching from the FCB yet again is going to cost us one of our best young players."
And another added: "The fact is he’s earning not a great deal, and still done it. Don’t know if the 850 is before tax either, he’s basically earning a modest wage at best".
Meanwhile, Newcastle United recently made the call to furlough their non-playing staff, with Piers Morgan branding the decision as "disgraceful".
Newcastle hero Matty Longstaff who scored winner vs Man Utd earns just £850 a week
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