Football

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley insists it was ‘impossible’ to keep hold of Rafa Benitez – because the Spaniard was only interested in money


MIKE ASHLEY has controversially insisted it was “impossible” to keep hold of Rafa Benitez – because the Spaniard was only interested in money.

The Toon Army have called for a boycott of the club’s games next season after the Newcastle owner replaced the fan-favourite manager with Steve Bruce.

 Mike Ashley has claimed Rafa Benitez was determined to move to China from the start

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Mike Ashley has claimed Rafa Benitez was determined to move to China from the start

Benitez revealed he wanted to stay on Tyneside but left after he wasn’t given assurances over transfers and infrastructure — and because he lost all trust in Ashley.

The 59-year-old then doubled his Newcastle salary after agreeing a staggering £12million-a-year deal to become boss of Chinese side Dalian Yifang.

And Ashley has claimed Benitez was determined to follow a lucrative move to the Far East from the start and he had even offered him an eight-year contract to stay.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “I’d say it was money first, Rafa, then the club last. He took the totally soft option, took the money and went to China.

“If he’d gone back to Real Madrid, or a top-six club in the Premier League, I get it. But it was about money and all he had to do was say that from the beginning.

“He asked for a 50 per cent pay increase and I think he did that because he knew it couldn’t work.

“I’m not disappointed in him as a manager – he did an excellent job. It puzzles me why any fan thinks I wouldn’t want him. I’m not the thickest person on the planet.”

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is very aware that it will be difficult to follow Benitez

I’d say it was money first, Rafa, then the club last. He took the totally soft option, took the money and went to China

Mike Ashley

After Benitez’s exit, Ashley moved to announce former Sunderland boss Bruce on a three-year deal.

The Tyneside outfit had to pay the Owls £4million in compensation after the 58-year-old walked out before his resignation was accepted.

And plenty of Newcastle fans are not convinced he will be able to keep the club in the Premier League next season.

Furious supporters in China even held up “Ashley Out” placards during the 4-0 friendly loss against Wolves earlier this month.

Newcastle fans in mass protest with 12,000 season tickets left unsold

But the British billionaire claimed that Benitez knew he was signing Joelinton when he left and his refusal to commit his future could have cost them their club-record signing.

He added: “I’m not here to defend myself. I’m here to defend Newcastle United; because Newcastle United could not have done any more to keep Rafa Benitez.

“I can look anyone in the eye and say that. It was impossible to do more.”

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