DEPARTING NEWCASTLE BOSS Rafael Benitez has claimed that the club “did not share his vision” in a farewell message to supporters this morning.
The Spaniard left St James’ Park upon the expiration of his contract on 30 June, after guiding the Magpies to a 13th place finish in the Premier League last season.
Newcastle released an official statement last week which read: “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.”
Benitez has finally broken his silence following his exit, insisting that creative differences between himself and the board led to his final decision.
“Thank you to everyone at the club who has helped the team and of course to the fine players who grew and fought with us and to the staff (one of the best I have ever shared time with),” he began.
“From winning the Championship to our two seasons in the Premier League, fans, staff and players have all been United. I wanted to stay, but I didn’t just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project.
“Unfortunately, it became increasingly clear to me that those at the top of the club did not share the same vision.
“I’m very sad about that, but I do not regret for one moment my decision to come to Tyneside and I’m very proud of what we achieved together.
“I will always have you in my heart. Best of luck for the future. C’mon Toons!’”
Snowflakes everywhere
@Noel Donohue: that old “snowflake” put down is so pre-covid.. Do try something less wet.
@JG: cu#ts??
@thomas walsh: spoke like a true football thug, didn’t know snooker had such vile fans that could utter that.. wouldn’t happen in America
@Charmaine ☘ Irish: what the word cults?? Get your mind out of the gutter
Years ago you could show emotions playing snooker. Nowadays they barely crack a smileeven if they win through to the next round. Altogether too stiff upper lip. Ronnie at least still shows a bit of passion for the game.
Ya probably shouldn’t of done it in fairness but if this was literally any other player it wouldn’t be such a big story.
@rory: it’s never any other player though is it?
@rory: it’s always Ronnie that’s the problem
@Niall Brady: did Ronnie hurt your feelings?
@rory: yes obviously the higher the profile of the player the more the media will focus on the transgression I mean this would be the same for any sport. If Mo Salah did it then it would get more headlines than if a player for Brighton did it? That is how news and media works. You sound a little surprised?
Here, save you searching… https://twitter.com/marjayhan/status/1515737879301050374?t=drKfmVJEOFYIL8N4wYORYQ&s=19
@⚡ Seánie ⚡: Watched the video.Looks like he is exercising his wrist.
Ah move on lads. A bitta feeding the pigeons in frustration. I hope no one got too offended at a gesture that wasn’t aimed at them!
I think the quote by Alex Higgins was and is very apt today. When Alex received one of his many lengthy snooker bans, he was asked by a reporter if he could survive without snooker and he retorted “could snooker survive without him”.
He was a hell raiser, Ronnie is a very mild version of Higgins but snooker needs these type of characters today if the sport if going to try and keep a substantial TV audience.Snooker needs them more than these characters need snooker.
Living legend is Ronnie.
The old shaking the bottle of pop there Ron
@kieran: I think he was just reminding himself to put more chalk on his cue
Ahh Relax