‘I want to retire here’ – Newcastle player who’s set to make 100th appearance vs Barcelona reveals career aim
In the high-stakes world of professional football, where loyalty can sometimes feel like a rare commodity, it’s refreshing to hear a player speak with such heartfelt clarity about his future.
For Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, the noise of the transfer window and the constant speculation that comes with it haven’t clouded his vision one bit.
Despite the club’s active search for a new shot-stopper over the summer, Pope’s commitment to the Magpies remains unwavering, and his ultimate goal is surprisingly simple: to retire wearing the black and white stripes.
This past summer was a period of significant change and speculation for Newcastle’s goalkeeping department.
It was widely reported that the club had a strong interest in James Trafford, a move that seemed likely until Manchester City activated a last-minute buy-back clause to bring him back to the Etihad.
In response, Newcastle moved quickly to secure a season-long loan for Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, a proven Premier League quality keeper.
To many on the outside, this signaled a potential challenge to Pope’s position as the undisputed number one, perhaps even casting doubt on his long-term future at the club.
Yet, when asked about the situation, Pope’s response was a masterclass in professionalism and perspective.
Rather than expressing any frustration or seeing Ramsdale’s arrival as a threat, he acknowledged it as a natural part of the game at a top club. “There will always be goalkeepers linked with Newcastle, whoever it is, that is part of the game,” he stated in a recent interview.
His focus, he explained, remains squarely on himself and what is best for the team. The thought of leaving never truly entered his mind; his only desire was to continue playing for Newcastle United.
Pope went out of his way to welcome Ramsdale, noting he knows him from their time together with the England national team and describing him as a “good lad and a good keeper.”
He sees the new arrival not as a rival, but as another valuable character added to a squad that has been built on a strong, collective mentality over the past few years. This team-first attitude is a testament to the culture manager Eddie Howe has cultivated at the club.
But the most telling part of Pope’s reflection was his vision for the years to come. Now 33 years old and approaching a significant milestone of 100 appearances for the club a mark he is set to hit in the upcoming Champions League clash against Barcelona Pope is already thinking about his legacy.
“I could quite easily finish my career with Newcastle,” he revealed. This isn’t a throwaway comment; it’s a genuine declaration of his love for the club and the city.
He is under no illusions about his own abilities, stating with quiet confidence, “I don’t want to sound like an idiot but I feel like I am a really good goalkeeper and have played a lot of Premier League games.”
This self-assurance is backed by years of consistent performances at the highest level. More importantly, he is excited about the present and the future, particularly the return of Champions League football to St. James’ Park. For a player of his experience, competing on that elite European stage is exactly where he wants to be.
In an era where players often move from club to club in search of a new challenge or a bigger payday, Nick Pope’s stance is a powerful reminder of the deep connections that can form between a player and a team.
He isn’t just playing for Newcastle; he wants to build a lasting legacy there. His dream is to see out his playing days on Tyneside, between the posts at St. James’ Park, contributing to the team’s success for as long as he can. For the Newcastle faithful, that kind of loyalty is worth its weight in gold.