Rafa Benitez has revealed he was “expecting” a return to Newcastle United last year.
The new Everton boss says that he was following the developments of the club’s takeover from China.
Benitez was the initial choice of Amanda Staveley but since the arrival of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund he was never guaranteed the job.
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Benitez said: “I was following them (Newcastle) when I was in China (with Dalian Professional). I was in contact with a lot of people, I was expecting maybe something will happen.
“It didn't happen. That's it.”
Benitez now says he is focused on Everton.
He added: ”I have to concentrate on now, with Everton I could see the vision, as a club they want to be successful.
“We were talking about the new stadium, so many things that means the club is going in the right direction.”
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