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Perez Hails Fan-Tastic Stateside Support
Written by Newcastle Utd
Ayoze Perez has paid tribute to the Newcastle United fans who roared the Magpies on in America
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Ayoze Perez has paid tribute to the Newcastle United fans who roared he and his teammates on during their pre-season tour of America.
The Magpies have just returned from a ten-day Stateside trip in which they took on Club Atlas, Sacramento Republic and Portland Timbers across three different cities.
At each stadium, hundreds of supporters turned out decked in the famous black and white stripes - just as they did for two open training sessions, when they were given the chance to watch their heroes at close quarters.
And Perez was taken aback by the level of support across the pond.
"It is a surprise," the forward told nufc.co.uk.
"When you come to America, somewhere so far away from Newcastle, and see the support for the team, it is unbelievable. I did not expect this.
"I am pleased that we were able to go to them, to play in front of them, to train for them and to meet them. They are great supporters who love the Club as much as anyone.
"Seeing the support for us in New Zealand last year and now America this year, shows what a big club Newcastle is.
"I am proud to play for such a huge team and we will do everything on the pitch to make the fans proud as well."
United's trip finished with a disappointing 4-3 defeat at the hands of Portland Timbers on Tuesday night.
And although he wanted to end on a high note, Perez admits the most important thing is that lessons continue to be learnt so that the Magpies are fine-tuned for the Premier League opener against Southampton on Sunday, 9th August.
"We were disappointed to finish with a loss," continued the Spanish starlet.
"In the first half against Portland we were in a bad way. We didn't work as a team.
"In the second half we were much better but it is important that we keep working and improving in the final three friendlies.
"Of course, we want to win every game we play but also it is pre-season so it is about being physically ready and making sure we are playing the way the head coach wants us to.
"It is all about being ready for the first Premier League game of the season, against Southampton."
