Refael Benitez to leave Newcastle United following end of contract

The Spaniard had been locked in negotiations to extend his stay at St. James' Park but those talks have now fallen through.

Rafael Benitez is set to leave Newcastle United. The Magpies announced the departure of the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager through their social media handles. The Spaniard leaves the Magpies on a sour note after spending three seasons with the club.

The former Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid boss joined Newcastle on a three-year deal, a few months after getting the sack from Los Blancos. Benitez took some time to get accustomed to the side, going winless for a month.

Newcastle, however, bounced back under him to then go on an unbeaten six-game run. However, the run was unfortunately not enough for the Magpies, as they were relegated from the Premier League.

In his first full season, Benitez got Newcastle United an immediate return to the top flight by winning the EFL Championship. Since then, the team has performed well under him, finishing at respectable mid-table positions in the following two seasons.

Benitez, however, was reported to be unhappy with the way the club was run. The Spaniard demanded a change in the way the club does its transfer business and improvements to infrastructure. With his demands not met, he has walked away, despite being offered a £6m one-year extension and a transfer budget of £50m for the upcomig campaign.

The club announced the departure of the manager and his staff. The club stated that they tried their best to come at an agreement with the manager and/or his representatives. But, the talks were to no avail, as the Spaniard has made up his mind to seek a move away from the club after getting frustrated with owner Mike Ashley.

The club's statement read, "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.

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"Rafa’s coaching staff, Paco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez and Mikel Antia, will also leave the club on 30th June.

"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."