Former Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has revealed for the first time why he left the club.
The Spaniard said he wanted to stay with the Magpies but it was clear the club " did not share his vision".
Benitez, whose contract expired on June 30, wanted a longer-term deal and not just a contract extension.
Benitez penned a letter to fans (below).
To Newcastle United fans https://t.co/5gu4eopVjf #NUFC #Newcastle #Toons #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/vLnmVSBGs2
— Rafa Benitez Web (@rafabenitezweb) July 1, 2019
Benitez took over in March 2016 with Newcastle in a relegation battle but he was unable to keep them in the Premier League.
Benitez mentioned in his social media post, the emotion he felt on the last weekend of the 2015/16 season when the Magpies beat Tottenham 5-1.
Newcastle had already been relegated but it sounds like that day played a major part in his decision to stay on, even with Championship football ahead.
Newcastle won the Championship title to secure an immediate return to the top flight and the Magpies finished 13th in the Premier League last season.
There was always plenty of speculation about Benitez' future once owner Mike Ashley was still in charge of the club.
He was linked with a moved to the Chinese Super League and even if he doesn't make the move to China, Benitez certainly won't be short of offers elsewhere.
Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta is the favourite to take over at Newcastle.
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