Striker Perez vows to stay for Newcastle promotion challenge

The Magpies beat Tottenham 5-1 on the final day of the campaign, three days after Rafa Benitez’s side were relegated from the Premier League without kicking a ball.

Perez reaffirmed his commitment to the Tynesiders after the Tottenham game.

And the former Tenerife forward believes Newcastle can win promotion from the Championship at the first attempt – if they can build on the progress made under Benitez, whose side ended the season with a six-game unbeaten run.

There will be interest in Perez, and a number of his team-mates, this summer, but the Spain Under-21 international is willing to stay.

Asked about his future, Perez said: “I want to be a part of things.

“All of us here at Newcastle – we are going to fight like never before to come back to the Premier League.

“That is our place. We are going to work really hard to make that happen.

“Hopefully, the team will stay together.

“It has been really good in these last few games, and even though that wasn’t enough, it is something to build from.

“The feeling we have together is really good.

“What has happened is disappointing, but we just have to think about coming back now.”

Perez – who signed a new long-term contract in January – believes the club can come back stronger.

“It was good to win on the final day, although it doesn’t change too much,” said the 22-year-old.

“At least we got a different feeling, and we can take that into the summer. Now, we have to be together like never before.

“We’re going to enjoy our holidays, but then we have to work really hard to make sure we come back stronger and get back (into the Premier League) as soon as possible.”

Perez scored seven goals for Newcastle this season.