After Newcastle manager Eddie Howe revealed the club was in talks with Dan Burn about a contract extension, the 33-year-old defender also personally expressed his desire to end his career at St James' Park.

"I haven't signed a contract yet, but I really hope to end my playing career at Newcastle," Burn told Sky Sports. "I'm 34 now and it's amazing to still be playing at this age. I never thought I could get to this point in the past."

"I still feel like I'm improving and I'm not losing form. If I can get this extension done, it would be a dream come true."

Burn's career is a classic example of "striking back". He played most of his time in the English Football League (EFL) until his breakthrough at Brighton in the 2019-20 season, when he was 27 years old.

“It makes it all the more special,” Byrne said. “I wouldn’t change a single moment — the lows, the ups, the downs, that’s what makes it all the more meaningful.”

He returned to the hometown team he supported as a child and was seen by the outside world as a "stopgap measure" when he first joined in 2022. Now he has firmly established himself as a starter and has become an indispensable member of the team.

"When I signed for Newcastle, many people thought I was just a transitional piece, and that I would be eliminated after helping the team avoid relegation, and the team would bring in stronger players. But I am very proud that I can still start every week and continue to do my best for this team."