Official announcement confirms Rafa Benitez is leaving NUFC - Read pathetic statement here
Some devastating breaking news, as an official club statement has confirmed that Rafa Benitez WILL leave Newcastle United when his contract expires on Sunday June 30th.
Here's the club's statement in full from NUFC.co.uk, which also confirms that Rafa's backroom staff Paco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez and Mikel Antia will also leave their posts:
'It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benítez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019.
'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.
'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 of uncertainty.
'The process to appoint a successor will now begin.'
I feel numb and utterly deflated by this news (even if we were warned it was coming), but this line infuriated me. "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".
They haven't worked hard at all to keep him at the club, turning what should've been an easy decision into a comedy or errors.
Absolutely devastated and heartbroken - even if this news felt inevitable. Thank you for everything Rafa.
What a complete and utter shambles this club has become under Mike Ashley.
