I’LL BE LEADING MAN

boss Rafa Benitez wanted to do a permanent deal in the summer, but the club decided on a loan swap with Dwight Gayle heading to West Brom. Rondon said: “Permanent deal? Yes of course. It now depends on my work. I just do my best.

“I have to help the team, win games, score goals. It won’t be my decision. But I know my family is settled here and so are the kids and they speak English. I would be really happy to stay.” Rondon has read up on the No.9 shirt he now wears with pride.

He added: “It has a big history. It is a good time to wear it. I knew the pressure. It is a heavy shirt.

“The pressure is high in this sport. You have to have it and be ready. I love that.

“Everyone knows Alan Shearer for Newcastle and England. It makes me proud to follow him.

“I hope the people know I do my best for it. If I stay here I will always do that.”