Rafael Benitez to leave Newcastle with China a possible destination

Xinhua Published: 2019-06-25 08:49:25
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Newcastle United have confirmed that Rafael Benitez will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June after failing to agree a new deal with club owner Mike Ashley.

Benitez joined Newcastle in March 2016 shortly after being sacked by Real Madrid and although he was unable to save the club from relegation to the Championship, he led them to promotion the following year and has kept Newcastle comfortably in the top flight for the past two seasons.

Newcastle United's manager Rafael Benitez reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in London, Britain on May 9, 2018. [Photo: IC]

Newcastle United's manager Rafael Benitez reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in London, Britain on May 9, 2018. [Photo: IC]

However, he is known to have been frustrated by the limited transfer funds made available as well as a lack of control over transfer policy. Last summer also saw him reject the offer of a new contract.

"It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benitez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019," confirmed the club on its website.

"We have worked hard to extend Rafa's contract over a significant period of time, however it has not been - and will not be - possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives." continued the communique.

"We would like to thank Rafa and his coaching team for their efforts over the last three years and their significant contribution to what has been collectively achieved. The process to appoint a successor will now begin," concluded the club.

The Newcastle fanbase took to social media to call to owner Mike Ashley to leave the club. Like Benitez, the supporters have also been at odds with the Ashley over a perceived lack of investment into the first-team squad.

Sky Sports indicated that Benitez's next job could be in China with the 59-year-old considering an important offer to coach Chinese Super League club, Dalian Yifang.

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