Benitez Signs Three-Year Deal With Newcastle

The 56-year-old Spaniard took charge of the Magpies after the sacking of Steve McClaren in March, but was unable to prevent the club from dropping into the Championship.

He was also given total control over all football matters at the club. This Means that Benítez will have full responsibility for all transfers and won’t be under any pressure to sell any of his current squad as he prepares for the different demands of the second tier of English football.

He had a break clause in his contract if Newcastle were relegated and was widely expected to leave the club, however his decision to remain at St James’ Park comes after series of talks with owner Mike Ashley, with Newcastle confirming on Wednesday that the 56-year-old had been granted “day-to-day responsibility for all football-related matters.”

“I am extremely pleased to be staying at Newcastle United,” the former Liverpool, Chelsea, and Real Madrid boss said.

“The love I could feel from the fans was a big influence for me in my decision to stay, as was my relationship with Lee Charnley and all the staff.

“This is a huge club and I wanted to be part of the great future I can see for Newcastle United.

“I am here because I am convinced we can go up next season, stay there for a long time and even win trophies.

‘I would like to build something. I would like to be close to Sir Bobby that would be fantastic.

“Football business, I will have responsibility of. The main thing is that I have assurances we will have a strong team and a winning team.

“What I have is the assurance that if I don’t want to sell any players I don’t have to. We can keep all the players who we want.”

Managing director Charnley added: “When we brought Rafa to the club in March, we knew he was a phenomenal manager and everything we have seen from him since has only served to reinforce that.

“We are therefore delighted to have secured his services for the next three years and I believe with Rafa as manager it gives us the best possible chance of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking and delivering success for this football club beyond that.

“It is clear that Rafa has connected deeply with the club’s supporters and we do not underestimate the role they have played in his decision to stay. He has captured the hearts and minds not just of the fans, but of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him at the club thus far.

“As a world-class manager we had no doubt in our minds as to the importance of retaining him at Newcastle United.”