Newcastle United midfielder Ayoze Perez has sensationally dismissed transfer interest from Spanish champions Barcelona, claiming that he wants to help Newcastle achieve promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The 23-year-old, who is set to play as a lone-striker against Brighton on Saturday due to injuries toDwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic, was one of Newcastle's most positive players in an otherwise dreadful campaign last season.
His Premier League performances prompted interest from Europe's top clubs, including Barcelona. But in spite of recent speculation, Perez is keen to continue working under Spanish boss Rafa Benitez,
I have always been happy ever since I came here,� Perez toldThe Telegraph.
That has not changed, even when we were relegated. Of course, that was bad, but not once have I thought about leaving this club. It is a professional thought, thinking about what is best for my career, but I always look at today, rather than the future and today I am happy at Newcastle. If you are happy in one place why leave?
"For me, what was the point of thinking ˜I could go anywhere because for my career', this is good for me. Of course, during the summer, I could have gone to other teams, but I am still here. For me, the most important thing is being focused.
The talk of Barcelona watching me is something big, but if I started thinking about 'Barcelona, oh Barcelona', it would be wrong for me.
So I just kept focusing on Newcastle and the city because I'm a Newcastle player and that is the important thing.
Yes I do feel some loyalty, because this club gave me everything. When I came here I was a very young professional, so here was where everything started for me.�
While Newcastle are expected to dominate the Championship this season, it didn't start quite as planned for Rafa Benitez, who saw his side lose their first two league games against Huddersfield and Fulham.
Ayoze Perez ignores Barcelona interest to fire Newcastle United promotion push https://t.co/dT8qIcMpgm pic.twitter.com/COu0eLI4Yn
"Teams in the Championship are desperate to beat us because we are Newcastle,� added Perez. You can see it in their eyes. We are the biggest club in this league and they want to be able to say they stopped Newcastle or they beat Newcastle.
"Just look at the way Fulham and Huddersfield celebrated after the game. It was a big moment for them to beat a club like this.
"Now we know what to expect. It will be the same in every game. Maybe it was a shock at first but we know every team will raise their game against us.
I think we have adapted to this league and are beginning to get the right results. We are becoming more confident and playing better football, doing better things. There is still a lot of work to do.�