Rafael Benitez says he wanted to stay at Newcastle United but could not agree on a shared vision with those at the top of the club .
After he was unable to stave off relegation from the Premier League in 2015-16, Benitez led the Magpies out of the Championship at the first attempt and subsequently re-established them as a top-flight club.
But Benitez had a difficult relationship with controversial owner Mike Ashley, regularly hinting in his comments to the media at disagreements over the club s perceived lack of transfer activity.
And in a letter to Newcastle fans posted on social media on Monday, the day after his contract expired, Benitez explained why he was unable to agree a new deal for the 2019-20 campaign.
I wanted to stay, but I didn t just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project, Benitez said.
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.
I will always have you in my heart. Best of luck for the future.
To Newcastle United fans
— Rafa Benitez Web (@rafabenitezweb)
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer blasted the club as a shambles for allowing Benitez, who won the Champions League with Liverpool, to leave.
A world class manager. A manager who performed so well in very difficult circumstances. A manager who understood the fans, he wrote on Twitter.
Newcastle are yet to appoint a replacement for Benitez, with managers including Steve Bruce, Claudio Ranieri, Sean Dyche and Garry Monk among those linked with the vacancy.
