Newcastle players have paid tribute to Rafa Benitez after his departure from Newcastle was confirmed on Monday.
Speculation over Benitez's future has been gathering momentum for the past 12 months, with no signs of an agreement between the Spaniard and the club.
Newcastle made Benitez a new offer, but were unable to give the former Valencia, Liverpool , Chelsea and Real Madrid boss certain assurances.
Bentiez wanted greater control of Newcastle's recruitment process, including the freedom to sign the players he wanted regardless of their age or potential resale value.
Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden tweeted: ''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! @rafabenitezweb £NUFC.''
Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez tweeted: ''Thank you Rafa for all these years at Newcastle and good luck in the future! You are a top manager.''
Former Newcastle striker Mick Quinn tweeted: "Well I feared the worst, and its happening Rafa leaving @NUFC. They offered him a one year contract and no assurances,Rafa is a World Class Manager he loved his time at the club and its another sad and embarrassing day for this big club."
Former Newcastle defender Warren Barton tweeted: ''Sad day for @NUFC but thank you @rafabenitezweb for all your hard work good luck in the future.''
Former England striker Gary Lineker tweeted: "Rafa Benitez is to leave @NUFC. Awful news for the club and their fans."
Former defender Vinnie Jones thinks ex-Sunderland manager Roy Keane, who left his role as Nottingham Forest assistant boss on Sunday, could be a good option to replace Benitez at Newcastle. He tweeted: ''Coincidence Roy Keane leaves Notts Forest same time? Could do worse.''
