Speaking to the Italian media, Rafa Benitez has confirmed that his priority is to stay in England and with Newcastle United, confirming he is ‘only talking to Newcastle’ in response to rumours over his future – all but ruling out a return to Napoli.
We all know Rafa is keen to stay on Tyneside, but it is positive to hear him suggest just how important it is to him and his family that he remains in England.
There’s been several reports linking him with a return to Italy with Napoli – with one paper claiming he’d already spoken to their owner – however he’s denied that here, confirming a renewal at St James’ Park is the only this on his agenda right now:
Here’s what he’s had to say during a During a Q&A with CalcioNapoli24:
“My future? I’ve heard so much talk, but I haven’t spoken to [Napoli chairman] Aurelio de Laurentiis: I have a contract with Newcastle, I’m talking to them about my renewal.
“They made me some offers to stay here for a few more years, plus I have to manage my family: if I decided to go to Newcastle and stay there, even in the Championship, it’s also because of my family.
“My priority is to stay in England. I’m only talking to Newcastle.”
There’s only so much we can take from this as it’s still up to Mike Ashley to satisfy his demands – something he’ll have to do if he’s ever going to sign a new deal, however this must be seen as a positive update.
He wants to stay in England, he wants to be close to his family, he wants to stay with Newcastle. Get it done Mike!
