Departing Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has taken aim at club owner Mike Ashley in a statement this morning.
Benitez slammed Ashley and the Newcastle hierarchy for his departure from the club in an explosive letter to fans on Monday morning.
He wrote: "Dear NUFC fans, Thank you for three fantastic, exciting and, at times, challenging years.
"What we have had here - your support, your affection and your passion - has been unbelievable for me. St James' Park has been always special, the 5-1 win against Tottenham, 15-05-2016, was so emotional that since that day I have always felt as though I belonged at Newcastle and I thank you for making me feel so welcome and at home.
"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).
"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."
To Newcastle United fans https://t.co/5gu4eopVjf #NUFC #Newcastle #Toons #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/vLnmVSBGs2
— Rafa Benitez Web (@rafabenitezweb) July 1, 2019
