They say it, even though us fans close to the club, know it can be a load of bollox.
Marcelino was ALWAYS desperate to play; Albert Luque LOVED the city; Silvio Maric WORSHIPPED the Geordie food.
Yeah right!
But in recent times - when the going is good - there has been a genuine bonding with the players, now all the bad eggs have gone.
When the foreign brigade say they are happy at the club - Cisse, Ba, Coloccini, Gutiérrez - I'm sure each and everyone means it.
When we read that Yohan Cabaye has revealed he plans to stay at the club for a long time ... we can honestly believe him.
And long may iy continue!
The Frenchman has been a revelation, and despite attracting interest from a number of clubs, he wants it known where his heart lies.
Cabaye: "My goal is to play in Europe again - either the Europa League or Champions League.
"Newcastle United is on a good way to get that, so I don't really want to change where I am if I can achieve that here.
"I would like to play in both Europa League and Champions League - Champions League will be more difficult, but there are seven games, you never know. I would just like to play in Europe.
"I love playing in England, I'm thankful to Newcastle United for giving me the chance to play here. My family feel good here and I would like to stay here for a long time.
"My other aim is to play in the European Championships with France, which I can do if I'm playing here.
"I managed to play in the Champions League with my home town Lille, but it is the same situation here.
"We need to build a big team - if each year someone else leaves the club it's going to be difficult. It is really, really important to keep the players to build a big team.
"I love playing in England, I'm thankful to Newcastle United for giving me the chance to play here. My family feel good here and I would like to stay here for a long time."
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