Feyenoord coach Jaap Stam admits he turned down Newcastle United over the summer.
The Manchester United Treble winner was wanted by Toon owner Mike Ashley after Rafa Benitez left the club for Dalian Yifang.
Stam told Voetbal International: Newcastle United applied a few days after I signed my signature with Feyenoord.
"So it was not an option right away. I am from being a man is a man, his word is his word.
"It was beautiful and honorable, because the people in England apparently know what I stand for as a trainer."
