Ayoze Perez has said that derby matches are always a "special game" ahead of the clash between Newcastle United and Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend.

The Magpies, who currently sit 12th in the table, travel to the Stadium of Light in their first match since the international break.

The striker told the club's website: "A derby is always a special game. It means more than three points. The fans live it with passion.

"I know a derby is a special game for the team and the fans. It's a different game, a game that the players love to play. The derbies are for the fans. We want to make our fans proud of the team.

"The best thing after the derby would be to see the kids wearing their Newcastle jerseys at school with pride. That's what we want and we are going to fight to get it."

Sunderland have won the last four meetings between the two sides.