Newcastle players have paid tribute to Rafa Benitez after confirmation that he’ll leave the club at the end of the month, with Ayoze Perez, Isaac Hayden, Paul Dummett, Fabian Schar and Salomon Rondon sending heartfelt messages to the Spaniard.
The club statement claimed that the two parties had failed to reach an agreement this lunch time, confirming that the 59-year-old would leave his post when his contract expires on Sunday June 30th.
As a result, several players have responded to the news, with Ayoze Perez being the first to react to the devastating news earlier today:
Perez really will miss Rafa – a player he managed to get the best out of over the past two years, with him being our top scorer over the past couple of seasons.
Then to Isaac Hayden, a player Rafa Benitez brought to Newcastle three years ago and a midfielder who has shone under his guidance over the past 6 months in particular:
“Thank you for everything over the last 3 years, you brought me to the club and had the faith in me to develop me as a player and person.
“It won’t be forgotten.
“All the best for the future!”
Here’s what Salomon Rondon’s had to say after today’s news, with his hopes of returning to the club all but over unless new owners arrive:
“I must say that
@rafabenitezweb deserves huge credit for what our team achieved last season, and I’m sure he’ll have success in his next job.“All the best, gaffer!”
Fabian Schar – one of our players of the season – has also paid tribute to Benitez after a ‘great year’ at the club following his £3m move last summer:
And then to Paul Dummett – perhaps our most improved player across the Rafa Benitez era.
Here’s what he’s had to say in a short message to the Spaniard, with him likely to be as devastated as any player to see Benitez go:
These are players who have come on leaps and bounds under his guidance, but several of them look all but certain to complete moves away this summer (or not return) unless there’s a real shift in momentum at the club following Rafa’s departure.
What a sad day for this club.
Would give my eye teeth to bump into that fat slug one dark night….
Geordie exile(Quote)