Enzo Perez chose River Plate instead of Newcastle United and will be pleased with his decision.
Enzo Perez’s unsuccessful stint at Valencia came to an end this summer, two years after he signed for the club for £19.5 million.
The Argentina international midfielder was linked with a move to Newcastle United, with Rafa Benitez reported to be keen on a raid on his former club.
Marca reported Newcastle were keen on a £8.5 million move for Perez, but the midfielder chose instead to move back to Argentina.
Perez sealed a cut price switch to River Plate, and last night his decision was instantly vindicated.
The 31-year-old played a starring role in River’s Copa Libertadores victory, netting twice in a dramatic 8-0 win over Bolivian side Jorge Wilstermann.
The result was remarkable as River had lost the quarter-final first leg 3-0 and were facing elimination.
Perez scored two goals while veteran forward Ignacio Scocco netted five in a thrilling but one-sided victory to take them into the last four of the competition.
Perez’s starring role has elevated him to instant hero status at River, and made his decision look like a shrewd one.
In the league it is early days but River have a 100 per cent record through three games.
A move to Newcastle would not likely have been quite as inspiring for him.
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