Forgotten Newcastle hero once targeted by Jose Mourinho is proving doubters wrong

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It’s easy for Newcastle fans to forget who helped them through their dark days.

Still, one man in particular was pivotal in getting Newcastle back to the Premier League, and his performances this season have raised eyebrows.

Ayoze Perez is flourishing in La Liga

Spaniard Ayoze Perez spent five seasons on Tyneside, sticking with the Magpies after their relegation from the Premier League in 2016.

Perez stayed at St. James’ Park and played an instrumental role in Newcastle bouncing back to England’s top-flight, after scoring nine goals and assisting six times in the 16/17 Championship campaign.

He stayed for another two years, helping to stabilise the club and contributing to the foundations from which Newcastle have been able to build.

Before his exit, much-loved manager Rafael Benitez departed the club, and with the club in turmoil, Newcastle fans urged Perez to leave, so he could “escape” the club.

Since his exit from Newcastle, Perez has played for Leicester City and Real Betis, where he didn’t set the world alight – but then came along Villarreal.

Perez is now proving that he can make it at the top with Villarreal, as he has lit La Liga up this season, finding himself the fifth-highest scorer in the league – and he’s not even a penalty taker.

Jose Mourinho admired Perez

Jose Mourinho was interested in Perez, with the decorated manager clearly seeing something in the Spaniard before his late-blooming season.

Had Perez linked up with “The Special One”, it’s impossible to tell if he would’ve been able to replicate his recent late surge.

There will always be ifs, buts, and maybes about what might’ve happened if Perez had stayed at Newcastle, but one thing is certain – he deserves to be remembered for the role he played in helping the club reach where they are today.