• Premier League

Ruiz takes swipe at Newcastle

ESPNsoccernet staff
September 11, 2011
Bryan Ruiz cost Fulham £10.6 million © PA Photos
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Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz insists he would never have chosen Newcastle ahead of the Cottagers, after rejecting the Magpies' advances on deadline day.

Ruiz, 26, arrived at Craven Cottage from FC Twente in a £10.6 million deal just ahead of the transfer window closing, but not before Newcastle made a last-ditch attempt to persuade him to join them, even laying on a helicopter to take him up to the North East.

But the Costa Rica star, who scored 36 goals in 61 Eredivise games for Twente, says that despite the late interest from Newcastle, Fulham was always his destination of choice.

"I heard about the helicopter. Newcastle were interested but I had a good feeling about Fulham and wanted to stay here," Ruiz told the People. "Martin Jol was a big influence on me. He told me he wants to combine the English and Dutch styles and he knows how I can fit into the team.

"I can play as a No. 10, a second striker, or on the left or right flank. I'm not a No. 9 but I've always scored goals. I know people are expecting a lot from me here because Fulham have spent a lot of money on me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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