Newcastle striker Ayoze Perez says he enjoys playing under Rafa Benitez

Ayoze Perez
Ayoze Perez

Newcastle striker Ayoze Perez has revealed that he enjoys playing under manager Rafa Benitez.

Benitez has been widely praised for the work that he has done as Magpies boss since taking over the club towards the end of the 2015-16 season.

While he could not save the Magpies from relegation in 2016, he led them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking during the 2016-17 season.

He also managed to help the club avoid relegation last season despite having had to work with a limited transfer budget. Many pundits and fans also felt last season that the Magpies did not have sufficient quality within their side to survive the top-flight campaign.

The Toon Army ended of last season on a high as they finished in 10th position on the standings and ended of the season by recording a comfortable 3-0 win over Chelsea which is likely to have been Antonio Conte’s last Premier League game with the Blues.

Perez said to the Evening Chronicle: “The manager did not have a big speech at the end of the season.

“It was short and nothing special.

“He congratulated us for finishing 10th but we know it is about the next challenge now.

“Rafa Benitez has been a massive part of us finishing in the top 10.

“I am proud to be part of this team and be a player under Rafa.”

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