Rafa Benitez has sent Newcastle United fans into a frenzy with his recent Instagram activity.
After posting a photo of his new dog, the former Magpies manager has been interacting with fans on the social media platform.
Benitez has replied to messages about his pets from United fans, while he has also been liking messages and comments about Newcastle or a potential return to the club.
Rafa Benitez interacts with Newcastle fans
The Spaniard spent just over three years in charge of Newcastle and cemented their place back in the Premier League after winning the Championship title in 2017.
He left, though, after his relationship with the club's hierarchy broke down in the summer of 2019, with Benitez not seeing eye to eye with them over key issues like recruitment, as well as the academy, training ground and infrastructure.
Benitez, instead, opted to take over as manager of Chinese club Dalian Pro last summer and while he has been impressed by the project, the difficulties Chinese football throw up in terms of competing have left him frustrated.
Amid the current coronavirus restrictions, as well as the fact his family still reside in Merseyside, reports have suggested he is keen on a return to the Premier League sooner rather than later.
And when addressing his future on BBC Radio 5 Live last week, Benitez admitted he is targeting a return to the Premier League in the future and refused to rule out a return to Newcastle.
"When I left Newcastle I was waiting until the last minute for a takeover but obviously it didn't happen," he said.
"I have a very clear idea that in the situation it was impossible to stay, even if I was really pleased and really happy there.
"When I decided to stay. If you remember when I went to Newcastle we were fighting until the end and we were relegated.
"In the last game we played against Tottenham and I think it was maybe one of the best games in the history of Newcastle and we beat them 5-1 with 10 men.
"The fans this day were amazing and I decided to stay this day because of them.
"So with all of these things in your head, if I decided to stay when we had no money, imagine with a takeover.
"At the moment I have a lot of respect because I have a job and I am very grateful to Dalian and Wanda but the Premier League is a target for me."
