Newcastle’s record signing Miguel Almiron says he is dreaming of “achieving something big” with his new club.
The forward joined the Magpies last week for £20.7million – beating the previous record of £16.8m for Michael Owen in 2005 – as they bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.
Paraguay international Almiron joins from MLS side Atlanta United and his humble beginnings have earned him comparisons to the fictional Hollywood film Goal!
The plot of the film sees poor Mexican migrant Santiago Munez make the move to Newcastle from the equivalent of a semi-professional team in Los Angeles and rise to become one of the world’s best players.
Speaking at his St James’ Park unveiling, Almiron, 24, admitted: “I know the film, I’ve seen it.
“But I try not to get carried away with comparisons like that – or go too crazy with what people write on social media.
“Every player who comes to the Premier League comes with a dream to achieve something big – and it’s similar with me.
“But I don’t purport to be an idol or a hero.
“It’s about trying to do my best. I want to work really hard to help my team-mates and bring something to the team.”
Almiron’s parents could not afford a football so he resorted to kick-abouts with rocks instead.
His dad did 18-hour shifts working as a security guard while his mum has a job in a supermarket.
Their seven-person family lived in a three-bedroom house with Almiron having to share a bed with his mum until he was 18.
Almiron added: “We were from a humble background.
“My parents worked really hard to always make sure we had food on the table. We never lacked a meal at the end of the day.
“They helped me in my early career, taking me to games and training.
“Now because I’ve done OK, they’ve been able to retire.”
He is now earning £60,000 a week but insists this plus his price tag will not put him under any extra pressure.
Almiron said: “I see it as an honour.
“The pressure and pricetag is not something I pay too much attention to.
“Playing for this club is pressure in itself in terms of wanting to do well.”
He could be in line to make his Newcastle debut on Monday night for their trip to Wolves – a game you can listen to live on talkSPORT.
Almiron not feeling the pressure as he prepares for Newcastle debut
Almiron added: “I feel good physically. I’m in good shape.
“It’s down to the manager whether I will be ready for Monday but certainly I feel ready and I’m keen to take part.
“I’m aware it’s a physical league, and that’s something I can prepare for in training.
“It’s a higher tempo than the MLS and it’s a more difficult league.
“But with the help of my team-mates, it’s something I feel I’ll cope with.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to come across and play in Europe and in the Premier League.
“I feel I’m representing my country here, I’m proud of that, and I hope to give a good account of myself and of my country.”