Updated 18.45

RAFA BENITEZ HAS agreed to stay on as Newcastle manager, the club confirmed this evening.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager was unable to prevent the Magpies from being relegated from the Premier League this season, but has agreed to sign a three-year contract.

Benitez’s original deal reportedly included an option to cancel his contract at the end of the season, but the Spaniard appeared to forge a relationship with the St James’ Park faithful:

“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,” the Spaniard said in a statement.

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

It’s been an eventful season for Benitez who was sacked as Real Madrid boss in January after just seven months in the job. The 56-year-old will now turn his attention to a race for promotion in England’s second tier.

Originally published: 14.30

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