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Perez's Pride
Written by Newcastle Utd
Ayoze Perez has spoken of his joy at winning two prestigious awards in Spain - and revealed how he has settled into life at Newcastle United
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Ayoze Pérez made a flying visit back to his native Spain this week to receive two trophies at the Liga de Fútbol Profesional's annual awards night in Madrid, but the former CD Tenerife forward has revealed how he's settled into life at Newcastle United.
The 21-year-old was chosen as the Best Breakthrough Player and Best Attacking Midfielder in the 2013/14 Liga Adelante at the star-studded ceremony on Monday, with the likes of Cristiano Rolando, Diego Costa, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta and Thiabut Courtois also honoured on the evening.
He scored 16 goals in 34 appearances for CD Tenerife last season before joining the Magpies in June and was given special dispensation to attend the ceremony ahead of United's Capital One Cup fourth round tie at Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Pérez - who scored his first Barclays Premier League goal against Tottenham on Sunday - spoke to Canary Islands-based Spanish football website ElDorsal.com after the ceremony.
And he said: "I am very happy. I can not ask for more. It has been a perfect night by having the two awards. It is a great satisfaction - there is a lot of work behind it.
"Everything has happened very fast, from playing against Alcalá (in the Spanish third division, on his debut for CD Tenerife's 'B' team) to having the pleasure to be here and play for Newcastle in the Premier League.
"It would be unfair to ask for more. I just want to hold the line and keep working."
Pérez lives on Tyneside with his brother, Samuel, who plays for non-league Blyth Spartans. With winter beginning to set in, he's finding the climate very different to that of Tenerife, but his disposition remains sunny.
"Now the sunset is earlier, the weather is getting cold, but I'm at home with my brother and I'm fine," he said. "It's important to have good success in football to have a good routine.
"What surprised me (about the Premier League) is the fitness of the players. They are very physical and it's a matter of adapting.
"I don't feel pressure, but the goal (against Spurs) helps. It gives me confidence on the field and helps me perform better, to hopefully reach many more goals.
"I couldn't believe it when I got the goal. I celebrated with a lot of passion with the fans, who cheer the team a lot."
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