Ayoze Perez has admitted he dreams of playing in La Liga - and wants a Spain call up.
The in-form Newcastle striker wants to return to his home country one day - but refuses to say if he'd like to go to Real Madrid or Barcelona .
Perez has scored seven goals this season, and created 38 chances, sixth best in the league and just behind Wilf Zaha and Raheem Sterling.
The 25-year-old also tops the Premier League stats for recovering the ball - 127 times, and for interceptions, with 35.
That creativity and work-rate has caught the eye of Spanish clubs.
He said: "I am very grateful to Newcastle, but it is obvious that someday I would like to come back and play in La Liga.
“To this day, I do not know (what the future holds). I hope something very good. I believe that I have made progress these five years so that a good opportunity presents itself. “
Newcastle signed Perez for £1.5m from Tenerife and he has proved one of the bargains of the decade.
Spain boss Luis Garcia has put him on a long-list for his squad and Perez is hoping for good news.
He added: "I appreciate the words of Luis García. It means a lot to me.
“He sees me play and he knows that I have not always been able to develop my football, how much I sacrifice myself and that, in the five years that I have been here, I have always tried to give the maximum.”
"I work to be there someday. I am ready (to play for Spain) and with a tremendous hope of being able to see myself in a list of Spain players.
"It would be incredible for me. I, in any case, keep fighting. I hope it happens.”
Perez will not force a move from Newcastle. When interviewed by MirrorFootball earlier this season he said he was "living the dream" playing in the Premier League, and was happy for now.
Grialdo
1
Ayoze Pérez's game by numbers vs. Everton: 39 touches 3 shots on target 3 take-ons completed 2 goals 1 assist A match-winning performance. 💪
inevitable
1
Cant blame him for losses but sometime his touch lets us down like last week vs west ham. Remember his price tag. Love the lad ⚫️⚪️
yielding
2
He is amazing been saying it for years he’s total quality 👍
Proshkin
0
I like him tbh it’s just he’s weak that’s my only problem with him
Sambill
1
I've always loved Perez ... even when most people didn't. Well done to him.
Ludicrou
0
Playing as a striker with Rondon in a 4-4-2 I agree he was excellent and won us the game. However as a wide right midfielder in a 5-4-1 he was completely wasted and did nothing defensively in first half.
prospera
0
I wonder if the old bastards in the stands were saying ‘he’s not strong enough for this league’. Not long ago they were booing him off at home to West Ham.
over36
0
Love him. The haters are still trying to shoot him down but he’s great. One of my favourite players to play for
likenjuo
0
Incredible come back, Newcastle is now revitalised
badly
1
Give him a new contract please!
especially
0
Ayoze was selflessly paid for by Pardew and Rondon is only a loan, I am sick to death of Rafas lack of investment.
CELTICS05
0
His not from Newcastle though so he obviously don’t care about the club?? I mean unless your from Newcastle then you can’t love them right?
Brightons
0
Always liked Perez , never hides even if not having best of games , great first touch and the boy can finish , my favourite Toon player
Babysong
0
His Winning goals kept us up last season, top scorer 2nd in assists, Rafa knows best
outdoor
0
He isn’t consistent that’s the issue one game top draw the next three games useless and no where to be seen, But for the money paid good value for money
playboys
0
he's (hyperbole alert) the best in the league on those first time flicks. Some great flicks over the years
korean
0
Ayòze has always needed other good players to work with. At times we’ve not had any quality around him but he’s our best attacking player. They all look to him, it’s clear to see how much the other players rate him. And every manager who’s ever managed the club. Not about the fee
iunderstand
0
He’s knocked off the ball far too easily. That’s my main gripe, and if we’re being honest doesn’t create an awful lot. When we have a team against the ropes he’s good, but when you have to dig in he’s found wanting
Rtakiss
0
I think he’s been playing out of position for 4 years. He’s a striker / poacher being asked to play as a number 10. He’s frustrating when he’s picking the ball up in busy areas as he gets muscles out too easily, but when a chance falls in the box he’s class
Vincenter
0
I don't think it's a case of getting off his back mate. There is obvious talent in there as Rafa obviously rates him (picked more than anyone since his appointment?) I think he became complacent, lazy at times hence support frustration, but blimey, what an improvement this year
Jackeven
0
I think there’s something in that, although poor might be a stretch. Look at him under pressure from two defenders on Sat, and holding them off. But his strength lies in his instinctive play, no doubt about that.
inevitable
0
I always said it let him take 1 or 2 touches he is class. 3 touches and time to think he poor