Ipswich Town loan star Jeremy Sarmiento says he's loved being serenaded by Town fans - and it feels great to reward them with promotion to the Premier League.
The skilful 21-year-old winger arrived on loan at the club from Premier League Brighton in January, and was quickly a hit with Blues' fans.
He finished the season with four goals in 22 games in all competitions and some huge moments, the biggest of which saw him snatch a late, late winner against promotion rivals Southampton on Easter Monday.
Speaking to Radio Suffolk, he enthused: “I’m so happy to finish the season here.
"From the first day I came here, Ipswich was a family and the fans showed me so much love – so to repay them with this is amazing.”
The Ecuadorian international's name has rung out from the stands often since he arrived, with a song stating that he's magic among the most popular belted out by the Blue Army.
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He continued: "The fans have been really, really good with me from the first day that I came in.
“ Those first couple of games, at Leicester away when I had the equaliser, from then it was just crazy - every game I could hear my name in the stands, and that’s really nice.
“I’ve liked it a lot.”
Sarmiento got to meet a lot of those fans when promotion was confirmed, with thousands flooding the pitch at Portman Road to celebrate with their heroes.
"It was crazy, everyone just running – they took my boots!" he recalled. "It was crazy.
“It’s an amazing feeling, just to be standing there and seeing that atmosphere, everyone on the pitch. We do it for you guys, so it’s a good way to end the season.”
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Of his personal growth at the Blues, he said: "I’ve been working hard on and off the pitch to be ready for these moments, even if it’s coming off the bench.
“I’m always going to give 100% for this club and that’s what I’ve done. This is what football is, for moments like these – you’re going to have them for the rest of your life.”
Like every other player at the club, Sarmiento also praised boss Kieran McKenna for helping him improve.
"100%," he replied when asked if he felt he's a better player now than when he arrived.
"I’ve come here and the gaffer’s given me the opportunity to help the team, and as a starter or as a sub I’ve always wanted to show what I can do on the pitch.
“During training sessions I’ve always given my best and he’s helped me a lot, so I want to thank him and the lads as well.”
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