Ayoze Perez: I Have Not Come to Newcastle to be the New Loic Remy

Newcastle striker Ayoze Perez has told IBTimes UK he has not come to St James Park to replace Loic Remy – but to make his own name at the Premier League and thrive with the Magpies.

The Spanish Under 21 international scored his first Premier League goal during the Sunday victory over Tottenham Hotspurs in his first starting appearance for the club since his summer arrival.

Having been a sensation in the Spanish second division last season, scoring 16 goals, the Spaniard is expected to lead the Newcastle attack in the coming years.

Alan Pardew is trying to go little by little with his development, but with Pappis Cisse struggling with injuries and Emmanuel Riviere failing to make the impact expected up-front, Perez may have new chances to prove his worth in the coming games.

When questioned whether he can be Remy's replacement after the current Chelsea striker scored 14 goals for the Magpies last season, he said: "I don't think it is appropriate to compare me with him"

"We have different qualities and everyone does his own job. But what I hope (as does Remy) is to thrive at this great club."

Perez had previously made a number of impressive cameos as a substitute but now is eager to have more starting chances to prove his worth.

"Every time I play, I tried to give the most of me. I'm preparing to be ready to play and then the coach decides," he said to IBTimes UK.

"It was incredible to score my first goal for Newcastle. Everything went well. I cannot ask for more. I am very happy for the goal but especially for the team's victory. The manager has congratulated me for it.

"In the first half we were not good, but we managed to fix a couple of details at half-time and we changed the game completely in the second half."

Asked about his adaptation to the Premier League pace and British life, he said: "I am enjoying my time here."

"People are helping me to adapt with the language limitations. And I have already learned a bit of English so I will keep improving. My teammates have welcomed me very well.

"We started the season [poorly] but we have secured two victories in a row and now we hope to keep the good run in the coming games."