New Signing 'Honoured' To Play For Toon

Last updated : 07 February 2019 By Footy Mad - Editor

Newcastle's record signing Miguel Almiron says his football will prove if he is worth the money Rafa Benitez has splashed out to bring him to St James' Park.

The 24-year-old Paraguay international was unveiled at St James' Park on Thursday afternoon, but without fanfare and the thousands of fans who turned out to witness the arrivals of predecessors Alan Shearer in 1996 and Michael Owen nine years later.

Nevertheless, his capture from MLS side Atlanta United has created a buzz on Tyneside as the Toon Army prepare for their first sight of a man whose talents they have so far been able to view only on a YouTube video.

Asked if he had compiled the impressive set of clips himself, Almiron said: "No. My best mate made the compilation."

He added with a smile: "You'll only see if that was true when I play."

Almiron's signing, for a fee believed to be in the region of £21 million, went some way towards placating manager Rafael Benitez, who had grown increasingly exasperated by the club's transfer business in recent windows.

The Spaniard is hoping for big things from a man who was at the top of his list, although Almiron has brushed off suggestions he could establish himself as a hero on Gallowgate.

He said: "I don't for one minute consider myself to be an idol or a hero. What I want to try and do is my best for this club and help out my team-mates by doing what I can out there on the field.

"Every player who comes to the Premier League comes with a dream to achieve something big, and it's similar with me.

"I want to work really hard to help my team-mates as a group and bring something to the team, add quality."