Lucas Perez signs with PSV after 1,700km car journey

Perez, who was released from Deportivo La Coruña in January, has accepted the challenge of PSV to bring experience to the Dutch attack. The decision to travel by land is not new for him: in the past he has preferred cars, trains and even ferries to avoid flying. During his time at Cádiz, he reached the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands by boat, while for internal transfers he has always opted for four-wheel solutions. PSV , who officially announced him with enthusiasm, have assigned him the number 27 shirt. "I am happy to be here, I have big ambitions and I want to give my all for the team ," Perez told the club's microphones. "The welcome has been fantastic and I can't wait to score and help PSV achieve their goals."

One of the reasons that pushed the former Arsenal player to choose the Eredivisie is precisely the small size of the Netherlands , which allows him to travel without having to take a plane. Furthermore, since he is not included in the UEFA list for European competitions, Perez will avoid international trips. For PSV, his arrival represents an experience solution, especially in light of the Dutch club's passage to the Champions League round of 16. Perez will have to replace Luuk de Jong in some phases of the season, a task that he accepts with determination: "I understand my role, but I want to show that I deserve important minutes".

Dutch footballer Dennis Bergkamp of Inter Milan during the second leg of the UEFA Cup final against Salzburg at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan on 11 May 1994. Inter won the first leg 1-0 and the final 2-0. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Lucas Perez's fear of flying brings him closer to a football legend: Dennis Bergkamp . The Dutchman even skipped the 2002 World Cup , in South Korea and Japan , as it was impossible to organize a trip by land. The Dutch phenomenon has always spoken openly about his aerophobia, so much so that he has earned the nickname "The Non-Flying Dutchman".