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Rafa Benitez explains why he left Newcastle in emotional statement on his own personal website

5 years ago
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Rafa Benitez has now released his own statement as to why he has left Newcastle United.

His three year contract ended at midnight and on morning the now ex-manager used his own personal official website to explain why.

A dignified and emotional statement saw him thank all of the people who helped him during his time on Tyneside.

However, as for Mike Ashley, Rafa states; ‘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.’

Rafa Benitez releases statement via his official personal website – 1 July 2019:

Dear NUFC fans,

Thank you for three fantastic, exciting and, at times, challenging years.

What we have had here – your support, your affection and your passion – has been unbelievable for me.

“St James Park has always been special, the 5-1 win against Tottenham, 15-05-2016, was so emotional that since that day I have always felt as though I belonged at Newcastle and I thank you for making me feel so welcome and at home.

Thank you to everyone at the club who has helped the team and of course to the fine players who grew and fought with us and to the staff (one of the best I have ever shared time with).

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.

I will always have you in my heart.

Best of luck for the future.

C’mon Toons!

Rafa Benitez

That official Mike Ashley/Newcastle United Statement – 24 June 2019:

‘It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benítez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019.

We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time, however it has not been – and will not be – possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives.

Rafa’s coaching staff, Paco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez and Mikel Antia, will also leave the club on 30th June.

We would like to thank Rafa and his coaching team for their efforts over the last three years and their significant contribution to what has been collectively achieved.

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