Ayoze Perez has now completed a £30m move to Leicester City, signing a four-year-deal at the King Power Stadium.
Newcastle United have also announced that his buy-out clause was activated, claiming that the club were powerless to stopping him from leaving once the £30m fee was triggered.
This puts an end to his five-year stint at St James’ Park, with his exit seeming imminent the moment Rafa Benitez left the club last week.
Here’s what he’s had to say after completing the move – with his comments about Leicester summing up how far we’ve fallen:
“I’m very happy and very pleased. I’m very proud to be part of the Leicester family and I can’t wait to get started.
“The Club want to keep growing as much as they can and that’s something I like.
“I spoke with the manager and that was important. That made me feel very comfortable about the decision to come here.”
His comments practically confirm what we know – Leicester have ambition and plan to ‘keep growing’; something Mike Ashley clearly has no intention of doing.
Here’s what Brendan Rodgers has had to say following his arrival:
“I think Ayoze will be a wonderful addition to the squad. He’s quick, has a good eye for goal and he’s experienced in the Premier League too.
“I think he’s a player who will excite our supporters, and his style is one that I believe complements the options and quality that we already have here at the Football Club.”
All the best Ayoze. Whether you rated him or not, he’s been a good servant and a superb signing at £1.7m.
Shame to see him go but not unexpected.
Easily our best player over the last few years despite his detractors (you know the majority of the fans who used to slate him), it wasn’t his fault he was two steps ahead of the rest of the strikers.
2nd half of last season illustrates perfectly, playing with 2 other good front men showed his real qualities.
I think he will be a great hit at Leicester alongside Vardy and Maddison amongst others.
Thanks for everything Ayoze you will be missed.
David(Quote)