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Rafa Benitez has squashed fears he is about to quit Newcastle
'IT FEELS LIKE HOME'

Rafa Benitez set to STAY at Newcastle despite being furious over lack of spending during transfer window

RAFA BENITEZ has made it clear he will stay at Newcastle United.

The Spanish manager was furious at owner Mike Ashley over his failure to back him in the summer transfer window.

 Rafa Benitez has squashed fears he is about to quit Newcastle
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Rafa Benitez has squashed fears he is about to quit NewcastleCredit: Rex Features
 The Magpies boss was furious at the lack of support in the transfer window
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The Magpies boss was furious at the lack of support in the transfer windowCredit: EPA

That led to a series of rumours Benitez, who is currently recovering from hip surgery, was ready to quit Tyneside.

However, he claims he is loving life at Newcastle despite his uneasy relationship with the club's hierarchy.

Benitez said: “The North East already feels like home for me.

“I was made to feel so welcome by everybody at the club, the supporters and the city from my very first day.

“All I can do is continue to work hard every day and try my best to give them a team to be proud of.”

Benitez has had to make a decision on his future twice in recent times - firstly after last year's relegation and following promotion after he received lucrative job offers from China.

 He felt let down by owner Mike Ashley as their relationship became strained
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He felt let down by owner Mike Ashley as their relationship became strainedCredit: PA:Press Association
 Rafa Benitez has revealed his love for the North East
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Rafa Benitez has revealed his love for the North EastCredit: Rex Features

But he revealed it was his two daughters, Claudia and Agata, who persuaded him to stay at Newcastle.

He told the North East Times magazine: “My family wanted me to stay in England after time away in Italy and Spain.

“And it is true my daughters were showing me what the fans were saying on social media at the time.

 Rafa Benitez has twice had to decide whether to continue as Newcastle boss
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Rafa Benitez has twice had to decide whether to continue as Newcastle bossCredit: EPA
 Benitez turned down offers from China in the summer to remain at the club
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Benitez turned down offers from China in the summer to remain at the clubCredit: Rex Features
 He still has an uneasy relationship with Magpies owner Ashley
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He still has an uneasy relationship with Magpies owner AshleyCredit: PA:Press Association

“They were looking on different social networks and saying, ‘You have to stay and win for these people – the fans love you here!’.”

Benitez's side travel to Swansea this weekend as they look to record their second successive victory.

His squad have suffered a blow during the international break as Chancel Mbemba hobbled off for DR Congo with an adductor injury - potentially ruling him out for three months.

The summer transfer window was one the craziest we have ever seen.

Take a look at the most profitable transfers of ALL time.

And here are the Premier League players whose wages made them the most expensive per minute played.


Keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip, rumours and done deals in SunSport’s LIVE transfer blog


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