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Rafa Benitez explains Newcastle exit; slams Mike Ashley

01 July 2019 - 06:22

Rafa Benitez has for the first time explained the reasons why he has decided to leave Newcastle United. The popular Spaniard called time on his Toon Army managerial career after a reported disagreement with club owner Mike Ashley.

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Premier League legend Rafa Benitez has previously coached Liverpool and Chelsea before his spell with the Toon. 

Benitez has explained why he decided to leave after a three year spell at the club in a statement.

Benitez wrote: \"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.\"

Benitez has been linked with numerous jobs across Europe, including a return to his former club Chelsea, but is likely to return to his home country of Spain or Germany.

Written by Ketan Patel