Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez has admitted that he was the the subject of “several offers” from other clubs in the summer.
In an interview with Radio Marca Tenerife (translated by the Chronicle), the 23 year old said he decided to remain on Tyneside in order to keep learning and improving as a footballer:
“I’m still young, and I have a lot of myself still to give and learn from football. It took me quite a while to assimilate the situation [after relegation]. I had several offers, but wanting to improve after the negative season was key.”
Perez also revealed that manager Rafa Benitez’s decision to remain as Newcastle manager in the summer proved hugely influential on his own decision to stay at the club.
The Spaniard described Rafa as being the “best possible signing” when he opted to remain with the Magpies and it seems the forward will continue playing at St James’ Park for the foreseeable future.
In 34 appearances this season, Perez has scored nine goals and provided six assists. He has played mostly in the number 10 position rather than as a striker this season. It’s a change of role which Benitez feels the player is perfectly suited to.
