Former Newcastle United star Gini Wijnaldum believes the fans deserve seeing their club return to the UEFA Champions League after years away from Europe's elite.

A fourth-placed finish in the Premier League saw the Magpies quality for Europe's top competition for the first time in 20 years.

Wijnaldum, who spent one season on Tyneside before moving to Liverpool, following the club's relegation to the Championship, praised the fans' support during difficult times.