Newcastle United star reveals he was hurt by Rafael Benitez’s decision

Jonjo Shelvey has gone on to reveal that he was hurt by Rafael Benitez’s decision to omit him from the Newcastle United starting lineup last season.

Shelvey arrived at Newcastle United from Swansea City during the January transfer window of last season for a fee of around £13 million but the midfielder clearly did not have the desired impact on the pitch.

Having failed to impress manager Rafael Benitez, Shelvey was consigned to the bench for the final six matches of the season and the decision was most certainly justified as the Magpies remained unbeaten in each of the six encounters.

Nonetheless, being dropped to the bench would certainly have been a bitter pill to swallow for Shelvey and the 24-year-old has now gone on to reveal that he was left ‘hurt’ by Benitez’s decision.

Speaking to NUFC TV, Shelvey said, “I want to play as much as possible, I want to be a regular starter. It hurt me last year.

“I didn’t show it, I was very professional and took it on the chin. There will be times when you aren’t playing. Hopefully I can start this season and we can get back up to the Premier League.”

Newcastle kick off their Championship campaign with a clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage on August 5th and Shelvey will surely be keen on making the starting lineup for the clash.