Benitez breaks silence on Newcastle United exit

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, July 2, 2019
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Rafael Benitez has explained his decision to not sign a new contract with Newcastle United in an open letter in which he said that he and the club "did not share the same vision."

The move is sure to put even more pressure on Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, who was already unpopular with supporters even before Benitez confirmed he would not remain as coach last week.

Benitez steered the club back to the Premier League three seasons ago and kept them in the top-flight for the past two years, but grew increasingly frustrated with Ashley's unwillingness to spend the money he felt was needed to make sure Newcastle were not locked in a perpetual struggle against relegation.

In the letter Benitez explained that he "always felt as though I belonged at Newcastle and I thank you for making me feel so welcome."

"Thanks to everyone at the club who has helped the team and of course the fine players who grew and fought with us and to the staff."

"From winning the Championship, to our two seasons in the Premier League, fans staff and players have all been united. I wanted to stay, but I didn't just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project. Unfortunately it became increasingly clear to me that those at the top of the club did not share the same vision."

"I'm very sad about that, but I do not regret for one moment my decision to come to Tyneside and I'm very proud about what we achieved together," he commented.

Benitez has been linked with a possible move to Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, while Manchester City assistant manager, Mikel Arteta is favorite to succeed him, with former Everton, Manchester United and West Ham United coach David Moyes and ex-Leeds United boss Garry Monk also linked to the Newcastle position. Enditem

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