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Miguel Almiron revealed he sees Newcastle as his second home after the Paraguayan put pen-to-paper on a new contract on Tyneside.
Almiron, 29, is the Toon’s top scorer this term having netted 10 goals in 23 Premier League appearances and has agreed a new three-and-a-half year deal with the club he joined in January 2019 from MLS side Atlanta United.
He enjoyed a memorable hot streak between October and Boxing Day earlier in the campaign, bagging eight goals in nine league games and picking up the English top tier’s Player of the Month award.
Though he has only scored once since, club chiefs have moved quickly to tie down the popular forward ahead of this Sunday’s huge Carabao Cup final showdown with Manchester United.
After signing his new deal, Almiron said: “I have felt at home at Newcastle from the beginning.
“I’ve felt very welcomed and I feel like part of the family, so I am very happy to stay here and I am going to keep giving everything on the pitch to thank the people of Newcastle.
“The truth is that I’ve worked really hard since I came to Newcastle to improve my level and to be where I am at the moment.
“I also thank the staff and my team-mates, who have helped me a lot during these four years. I think this is a reward for that hard work and I am very happy.”
Eddie Howe’s side have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages this term, propelling themselves into top-four contention with a fabulous start to the season.
The Magpies have only lost two top-flight matches in 2022-23 — a league-low total — yet have slipped into fifth place after a frustrating run of draws.
However, they remain just a point behind Tottenham having played one game fewer than their rivals and all signs point to a thrilling end of the campaign at St James’ Park.
Boss Howe said of Almiron’s extension: “Miggy is a hugely important part of our squad on and off the pitch and I’m very pleased to see his contribution acknowledged in this way.
“I’m delighted we’ll continue our journey together.”
This Sunday’s Wembley clash against the Red Devils gives the Magpies the opportunity to lift a first piece of domestic silverware since the 1955 FA Cup, with Almiron poised to be a key man for the underdogs.
Looking ahead to the contest, Almiron said: “On Sunday, we have a very important match and while the new contract makes me really happy, the most important thing is that we celebrate this contract with a victory on Sunday.”
