Some devastating breaking news, as an official club statement has confirmed that Rafa Benitez WILL leave Newcastle United when his contract expires on Sunday June 30th.
Here’s the club’s statement in full from NUFC.co.uk, which also confirms that Rafa’s backroom staff Paco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez and Mikel Antia will also leave their posts:
‘It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benítez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019.
‘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.
‘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.
‘We would also like to thank our supporters, players and staff for their patience during a period of uncertainty.
‘The process to appoint a successor will now begin.’
I feel numb and utterly deflated by this news (even if we were warned it was coming), but this line infuriated me. “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”.
They haven’t worked hard at all to keep him at the club, turning what should’ve been an easy decision into a comedy or errors.
Absolutely devastated and heartbroken – even if this news felt inevitable. Thank you for everything Rafa.
What a complete and utter shambles this club has become under Mike Ashley.
Absolutely gutted about Rafa, the statement from NUFC a joke, the fat slug is destroying my club from top to bottom, clearly, doesn’t give a jot about the club, it’s supporters, the area and our history.
There’s no intention to sell, no direction, no ambition, yes, the fans hate this parisite, to get respect, you must show some.
Bog off parasite, concenrate on your greed, stick to retail, and sell NUFC to someone who cares!!
Ian William Peddie(Quote)
Mike Ashley? I hate him hate him hate him. Three hates make 24.
Viru leckworth(Quote)
One word, gutted.
Dan24(Quote)
Absolute joke sick to my stomach 50yrs of support ended, thanks sir John Hall selling us to an absolute **** how this man is allowed to own a football club is a joke so much for the Fa and there fit and proper test
Geordie rob(Quote)
ASHLEY OUT, he doesn’t give a toss about Newcastle United.
Robert Envy(Quote)
Wake up people are you really that thick to believe a single word that this low life piece of filth ever says? Vermin like this have a sickness in their heads their obsessive lust for money that they can’t spend in a hundred lifetimes takes away from them any ounce of decency, care for the consideration of others, humanity or humanity. This ‘thing’ is the epitomy of the lowest form of life.
The ONLY thing we can do is to remove every form of funding you give him away from him. He won’t sell, ever. TOTAL BOYCOTT. You have NO other option.
Plaigombi(Quote)
What a low life piece of scum he’s brought our beloved club on it’s…. BOYCOTT BOYCOTT BOYCOTT WE NEED TO STOP LINING HIS DIRTY FILTHY SCUM BAG POCKETS THAT IS MY OPINION I’M SICK TO THE STOMACH OF THIS PIECE OF….
Mark(Quote)
Thanks, Rafa – you gave us dignity and hope.
Thanks, players – you entertained and inspired.
Thanks, Olly – you gave us professional reporting and well considered opinion.
Goodbye.
Peter(Quote)
So sorry to say I told you so so many times thank you so very much raffa for ever in our hearts so what now stay pussys or show him what we got shame on anyone going to first game of season time to choose go to game your with Ashlie don’t and you’re a Geordie ready to rid this scum from our club the spirit of sir bobby will see us through
Larry toon hants(Quote)
The problem is clear!…and always has been…too Ashley and all toon fans!
He’s laughing!..and taking your passion and coin!…because he knows!…you haven’t got the bottle to ‘Stand outside the Empty Ground—Every game’. because he’s a ‘Parasite’ who knows your going to feed him…my challenge to you all is ..19 plus empty home games..show your passion.
Stevie(Quote)
Cheers mate, appreciate it.
What a devastating day to be a Newcastle fan. It’s the hope that kills you – and Rafa brought us so much, even in the Mike Ashley era.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Thanks, Rafa – you gave us dignity and hope.
Our best wishes go with you in the future and you will always have special place in Geordies big hearts
Goodbye.
Charles Bull(Quote)