Rafael Benitez walked away from St. James’ Park following the expiry of his contract. After a long time silence, Benitez opened up his reasons for leaving New Castle.
He said his decision to leave was due to a lack of trust rather than the financial attraction of China. Benitez joined the Chinese Superleague team Dalian Yifang. Benitez said that he wanted to stay and did his best not to leave Castle. He said that he had refused many offers before paying him higher than the Chinese team.
“If I would have only done it for money I would have done it way earlier,” Benitez said. Benitez said that New Castle’s board took too long to renew his contract. Lately, they offered an offer which was unacceptable to Benitez.
Benitez said that New Castles’ board didn’t want to invest in academy or training ground. They had a meeting with Benitez offering an offer which he refused.
“After 19 days, I knew they wouldn’t come back with a serious offer and when it arrived it was the same salary as three years earlier and with less control over signing.
After three years of unfilled promises, I didn’t trust them.” Benitez said. Although Benitez’s fans asked him a lot to stay, Benitez didn’t found New Castle board and their contract acceptable.
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.”
“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 of 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.
