Aleksandar Mitrovic has spoken with warmth and emotion about his time at Newcastle United, describing the club as one that will always have a “special place” in his heart.
The Serbian striker, who joined the Magpies from Anderlecht in 2015, became an instant favourite among supporters for his fierce competitiveness, passion, and connection with the fans. Though his spell on Tyneside was not without challenges, Mitrovic’s affection for the club and its people remains as strong as ever.
Mitrovic arrived at Newcastle as a highly rated 20-year-old forward with a reputation for his strength and eye for goal.
His fearless and fiery style made him an exciting addition to the Premier League, and it didn’t take long for him to endear himself to the crowd at St James’ Park. Supporters admired his determination, his refusal to back down, and the visible emotion he showed on the pitch.
Though he occasionally found himself in trouble for his aggressive approach, it was the same intensity that made him a fan favourite.
During his three years at Newcastle, Mitrovic made 72 appearances and scored 17 goals. He experienced both highs and lows, including relegation to the Championship in his first season, followed by an immediate promotion back to the Premier League under Rafa Benitez.
Despite the turbulent journey, Mitrovic’s time in the black and white stripes left a lasting impact on him. In a recent interview with Flashscore.com, the forward, now playing for Al-Rayyan in Qatar, reflected on his years at Newcastle and the deep connection he still feels with the club and its supporters.
“Newcastle is a club I’ve always really liked,” he said. “It has had a special place in my heart since I started following football. Maybe it was the colour of the shirt the team I support in Serbia also plays in black and white but when I arrived in Newcastle, I realised football there is like a religion. The people live for football, and I felt that love from day one.”
Mitrovic admitted that he was still very young and inexperienced when he joined the club, trying to adapt to the demands of the Premier League while carrying the hopes of a passionate fanbase.
“I was 20 or 21, playing in the best league in the world. I didn’t have a lot of time to adapt, and maybe things didn’t go exactly as I planned, but we made great memories. I met some wonderful people, and I still have a lot of friends there,” he said.
After Newcastle’s relegation in 2016, Mitrovic chose to stay and fight for promotion, helping the Magpies secure an immediate return to the top flight the following year. He later joined Fulham, where his career flourished.
At Craven Cottage, he became one of the most prolific forwards in the club’s modern history, scoring freely in both the Championship and Premier League. Still, despite his success elsewhere, the bond he formed with Newcastle remains unbroken.
“Getting relegated is one of the hardest things in football,” Mitrovic reflected. “Even if you don’t play every game, you feel guilty because you’re part of the squad. I always wanted to make it right and bring Newcastle and later Fulham back to where they belong. Both clubs mean a lot to me. They are amazing clubs that should always compete in Europe.”
Now watching from afar, Mitrovic says he takes pride in seeing both Newcastle and Fulham thriving. “I’m glad they’re both doing well. Newcastle have had some great seasons, even playing in the Champions League, and Fulham have been close to the European places. I really hope both continue to grow,” he added.
The striker’s affection for Newcastle is clear, and his words reveal the emotional connection he still feels to Tyneside and its supporters. “I didn’t want to leave when we went down,” he said.
“I felt loved there, and even in the Championship, I could feel the fans wanted me to stay. That means a lot. You can see I still follow them and support them. Newcastle will always have a special place in my heart.”
Mitrovic’s time in black and white may have ended years ago, but his bond with the club and its people remains unshaken. The passion, pride, and authenticity that defined his game continue to reflect the spirit of Newcastle itself a city where football truly is a way of life.
