‘He is not a God’ - Fighting talk from Newcastle United veteran amid transfer uncertainty

Martin Dubravka has insisted he does not fear Belgium ahead of Slovakia’s Euro 2024 opener.

The 35-year-old is one of four Newcastle United players competing at the summer’s finals in Germany. Dubravka has been undisputed No.1 for Slovakia since joining the Magpies from Sparta Prague in 2018.

He represented his nation at the last Euros and is aiming to get out of a tricky group alongside Belgium, Ukraine and Romania. The goalkeeper enters the tournament amid a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding his Toon career.

Reports have suggested Celtic are interested in signing Dubravka, who has a year left on his contract, following Joe Hart’s retirement. Newcastle are also targeting a new man between the sticks to rival first-choice keeper Nick Pope.

Burnley’s James Trafford has been touted following their relegation to the Championship. Any incoming shot-stopper would spell bad news for Dubravka, who Newcastle would likely allow to leave for a nominal fee.

The Slovak stepped in last season throughout Pope’s injury absence but suffered a notable decline. Looking to regain his form at the Euros, Dubravka vowed he will not fear Belgium - the strongest team in the group.

“I think I’ve faced almost all of them,” he told DH Net. “I know how much individual quality there is in Belgium. The presence of De Bruyne changes a lot of things. He is not only one of the best players in the world but also a genius of the game. 

“We know it will be hard to contain him, but we are looking forward to it. I know he (Lukaku) scores a lot in the national team, and he is a very good striker. But he is not a God. I’m not going to prepare especially for him.”