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Perez: 'My First Year'
Written by Newcastle Utd
On the anniversary of his arrival at St. James' Park, Ayoze Perez reflects on an "unforgettable" first year at Newcastle United
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
On 6th June, 2014, Newcastle United confirmed that a little-known 20-year-old called Ayoze Pérez had joined the Club from CD Tenerife, his hometown team.
He'd scored 16 goals in Spanish football's second tier during the previous season but he was regarded as one for the future, with then-manager Alan Pardew explaining that he was "a player who we hope to develop further on Tyneside."
The boy from the Canary Islands went on to exceed all expectations. He made 36 Barclays Premier League appearances last term (11 as substitute) and scored seven goals, as well as winning his first cap for the Spain under-21 side and scooping several awards in his homeland.
He barely spoke a word of English when he arrived but, having quickly settled into life in England thanks to his friends, team-mates and older brother, Samuel, Pérez now enjoys learning the nuances of the Geordie dialect.
The weather may be a little bit different to the sunny climes of his homeland, but it's clear that the warmth he has felt from the supporters has more than made up for that.
And, on the anniversary of his arrival at St. James' Park, Pérez told nufc.co.uk: "For me, playing in the Premier League was a dream since I was a child and Newcastle United has given me the chance to make this dream come true.
"It has been an unforgettable year and I hope it's just the beginning of something big here in Newcastle."
He's scored a winning goal against Liverpool, netted with an audacious backheeled flick at West Bromwich Albion and had a terrace chant previously reserved for Andy Cole - 'he gets the ball, scores goal' - adapted in his honour.
But three moments in particular stand out for the striker, beginning with the day he first set foot inside the Magpies' famous stadium 12 months ago.
"I'll never forget my first time in St. James'," Pérez beamed. "When I entered in the pitch, it was awesome. I also remember with a smile my first goal in the Premier League against Tottenham; we won that match with this goal.
"And of course, I will keep forever in my memory the return of Jonás (Gutierrez) against Manchester United.
"Now I'm looking forward next season to seeing the Toon Army in St. James' again, and giving them better moments than this year."
Click here to buy a Newcastle United shirt with Ayoze's name and number on the back