Rafael Benitez has admitted he wanted to stay as Newcastle United manager but the club did not hold the same vision for the future as him.
The experienced tactician saw his contract at St James' Park expire over the weekend after negotiations between himself and the Premier League club broke now.
Now, with his first comments regarding his departure from Newcastle, Benitez has admitted he wished to continue the work he had done in the north east but it was not possible after a difference of opinion with the club's hierarchy.
"I wanted to stay, but I didn't just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project," said Benitez in a letter to supporters.
"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."
Newcastle, who avoid the bottom three thanks to Benitez last season, are 10/3 to be relegated, while Sheffield United are the 4/6 favourites to drop back down to the Championship.
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Rafael Benitez has admitted he wanted to stay as Newcastle United manager but the club did not hold the same vision for the future as him.
The experienced tactician saw his contract at St James' Park expire over the weekend after negotiations between himself and the Premier League club broke now.
Now, with his first comments regarding his departure from Newcastle, Benitez has admitted he wished to continue the work he had done in the north east but it was not possible after a difference of opinion with the club's hierarchy.
"I wanted to stay, but I didn't just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project," said Benitez in a letter to supporters.
"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."
Newcastle, who avoid the bottom three thanks to Benitez last season, are 10/3 to be relegated, while Sheffield United are the 4/6 favourites to drop back down to the Championship.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com