Spanish player Ayoze Perez says he would not leave Newcastle United despite links to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United until promotion is sure. Perez wants to remain at Saint James Park because he has a moral obligation to repay the fans after their relegation from the top flight at the end of the last campaign.
“The fans have always been very close and have always thanked me for staying – despite the interest that there has been from big clubs to sign me. I have a debt with the fans, I want to return to the Premier League with Newcastle. We must be professional,” the Spaniard said.
The Magpies are hoping to return to the Premier League as soon as possible, and Perez wants to part of the story. He agreed to a long term deal earlier this year despite interest from other clubs. He revealed that another reason he remained with United was because of the coach – Rafa Benitez.
“He had much influence, he is a great manager and it also helps to speak the same language. His methods are to my linking and I decided to go with him on this challenge,” Perez said. The Tyneside rising star admitted that the departure of “big brother” Fabricio Coloccini was tough after he left in the summer.
“We were always together and he helped me a lot in me settling in when I came to Newcastle. It is a little harder but I keep a very great relationship with him, even if from a distance. Now I have a Spanish teammate in Jesus Gamez, gradually we get to know better,” Perez revealed. Coloccini left United after eight years to join San Lorenzo. Perez reportedly told Spanish publication Eldorsal that he would quit United if they didn’t get promotion at the end of the year.