Advertisement

Departed Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez tells fans: 'The club did not share the same vision'

Rafael Benitez blamed a ‘difference in vision’ for his Newcastle departure after leaving the club on Sunday.

Benitez, 59, had been at almost constant loggerheads with club owner Mike Ashley since he took the helm in 2016.

Ashley has always been accused of not throwing his full financial might behind the club - and indeed in recent years himself admitted he was looking to sell.

And the former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager explained in a heartfelt post on Twitter that his departure was down to ‘those at the top of the club’.

He wrote: “Dear NUFC fans, Thank you for three fantastic, exciting and, at times, challenging years.

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford puts pen-to-paper on £300,000 per week deal
READ MORE: Phil Neville questions US ‘etiquette’ after visit to England team hotel

“What we have had here - your support, your affection and your passion - has been unbelievable for me. St James' Park has been always 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!”

Featured from our writers