Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has hailed his permanent signing with the Magpies as "special".

Dubravka, who moved to the North-East on loan from Sparta Prague, impressed in his spell with Rafael Benitez's team and has been rewarded with a four-year deal at the club.

"I'm very proud and very pleased to be a part of the club and I'm very happy that I have my future here," the Slovakian told the club's official website. "It's hard to put it into words because it's something special. It means a lot.

"When I arrived on loan in January, I already knew Newcastle United was a great club with amazing fans. The first game helped a lot in a new team. Nobody knew who I was and then suddenly I was playing against Manchester United with my teammates.

"I really appreciate the way the fans supported us, home and away. I've never seen anything like that before. They give us energy and that helps us to play well and give 100%. I'm happy that I can be part of that relationship."

Dubravka made 12 appearances during his loan spell with Newcastle and helped the side to a 10th-place finish in the Premier League.