Ayoze Perez has dedicated Saturday’s 3-0 win over Southampton to his late grandma, admitting on social media that it has been a hard week for him following the passing of someone he described to be ‘a second mother’ to him.
The Spaniard started on Saturday and played a huge part in our second goal, carrying the ball from his own half before putting Dwight Gayle in behind to square for Kenedy’s tap in.
To his credit, he has opened up about his difficult week on Twitter today, dedicating the win to his grandma and thanking the Geordie faithful for all their ‘much needed’ support over the last few days:
Our sincere condolences to you and your family, @AyozePG.
Thank you for giving everything in difficult circumstances.#WeAreUnited #NUFC pic.twitter.com/nx9atBFRK3
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 12, 2018
As highlighted via the tweet below, this sums up the character and professionalism that this bunch have showed this season. Perez put in a big shift on Saturday which really was admirable given the circumstances he was up against.
Last Perez Tweet. Typical of this group of proper professionals that he quietly played so well in face of personal tragedy.
This group are a total credit to #nufc.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) March 12, 2018
Well done Ayoze. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time.