Rafael Benitez walked away from a £6million a year contract offer after he completely lost patience with Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.
It was announced on Monday that , bringing just over three years at St James' Park to an end.
The former Liverpool manager's relationship with owner Ashley has been a regular source of friction during that time, with the pair regularly clashing over transfer funds.
But in a bid to keep him, the club claim that Ashley offered a £6million one-year deal as well as the promise of a transfer budget of £50million for the upcoming season.
That wasn't enough for Benitez though, with the Spaniard being tipped by many for a move to China.
“We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time, however it has not been - and will not be - possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives," read a Newcastle statement.
“Rafa’s coaching staff, Paco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez and Mikel Antia, will also leave the club on 30th June.
“We would like to thank Rafa and his coaching team for their efforts over the last three years and their significant contribution to what has been collectively achieved.
“We would also like to thank our supporters, players and staff for their patience during a period ofuncertainty.
“The process to appoint a successor will now begin.”
Benitez was appointed as Newcastle boss in March 2016, but he was unable to rescue them from relegation following a dismal season under Steve McClaren.
He managed to take them back up to the Premier League at the first attempt in 2016/17, and the finished 10th and 13th in the top-flight in the past two seasons.
