Newcastle United fan favourite Ayoze Perez has given his strongest indication yet that he will be remaining at St. James’ Park for the new season despite interest from a host of European clubs.
The 24-year-old Spaniard was the Magpies leading goalscorer last season, scoring vital goals at vital times, and was key to their survival in the Premier League and their late surge up the table.
Both real Betis and Napoli have reportedly shown an interest in the attacker but his statement of intent suggests that he will be on Tyneside in front of the Newcastle faithful next term.
Comments made by the forward will be music to the ears of supporters as well as manager Rafa Benitez, and as quoted in the Chronicle Perez said: “I am really happy to keep playing for this team.
“We had a great season and we ended it on a high with a great win against Chelsea. We showed we could do it against the big teams.
“In front of strong crowds we beat Manchester United and Arsenal too and they’re great results. It was unbelievable. Every time I step on the pitch I still get that special feeling.
“It’s part of our game plan, we need the fans behind us like they have done and they were a huge part of it being a memorable season.
“The lap of appreciation was fantastic for us. Now we look to build on it next year. I know I can better under Rafa again next season.”
OPINION:
Keeping Perez at St James’s Park is absolutely imperative for the Magpies going into the new season. Despite a slow start in his and Newcastle’s return to the Premier League, the attacker got to grips with the English top flight in the second half of the season. Before March, Perez had just two goals to his name as the Tynesiders dabbled with the relegation zone, but a flurry of efforts in the later stages of the season showed just how important he is to Benitez’ side. There has been widespread speculation that club captain Jamaal Lascelles could be off, with the Evening Standard stating that Chelsea and Tottenham are in the hunt for the defender. But if they can keep hold of Perez as well as Lascelles, Benitez will have the skeleton of what could potentially be a European bound side. Without the key duo though, they might find they are dallying with the bottom three once more.