Rafa Benitez will remain at the helm of Newcastle United in the Championship next season.
Benitez signed a new three-year contract with the club following their their relegation from the Premier League.
The Spaniard landed the gig in March after Steve McClaren got the old heave-ho, and despite only losing three of their last ten Premier League matches and trouncing Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 in their final game of the season, the Magpies couldn’t avoid the drop.
Benitez was expected to leave Newcastle due to a clause in his contract if Newcastle were relegated, but much to the delight of the Toon Army, he signed a new deal earlier this week.
“The love I could feel from the fans was a big influence for me,” he told reporters at a press conference.
If he wasn’t already considered a legend in the Toon, Benitez elevated himself to that status with his first act after signing the new deal.
Shortly after crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s on the new contract, Benitez made an appearance at the Newcastle United Disabled Supporters party. Everyone in attendance looked absolutely thrilled with the Spaniard’s presence as he shook hands, gave hugs and posed for photos with fans.
🎥 RAFA's first act since signing was to drop into the @NUDSA_NUFC party at St. James' Park. 🇪🇸⚫️⚪️ #RafaStays #NUFC pic.twitter.com/mM7JvA3a08
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 25, 2016
Pure class.
