Rafa Benitez has revealed he had plenty of offers to leave Newcastle United during his time as Magpies manager but snubbed moves elsewhere because of the club's passionate supporters.
The Spaniard endured a tumultuous time on Tyneside that eventually resulted in him walking away after three full seasons at St James' Park. Previous owner Mike Ashley consistently refused to back Benitez with the players and funding he wanted, which saw the ex-Liverpool boss finally part ways with Newcastle rather than signing a new deal in 2019.
Benitez now admits it was the fans that stopped him from jumping ship earlier, despite some lucrative offers elsewhere presenting themselves during his time in the north east. "We were not investing. We couldn't achieve much more," Benitez told
.
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"Now with more resources, more options and everyone supporting you, you have more chances to reach the real level. You have a city behind the team and the way they support the team is massive so I think they have a chance to get better and better.
"I will tell you that during my time there, I had an offer. Well, I had some offers but especially one. But I decided to stay and the reason I decided to stay was for the fans. It was not for the 'project' because we didn't have a project at that time.
"It was just for the fans and the supporters they have. I think I was honest to stay there and try to fight until the end. I lost the opportunity to stay and work with the new owners because they came late - and to try and reach the maximum potential of the club."
Benitez remains out of work after an ill-fated stint at Everton last season. The 62-year-old now admits it was a mistake taking the Toffees job due to his links with rivals Liverpool.
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