Newcastle United have confirmed today that manager Rafael Benitez will be leaving the Magpies at the end of this month.
The Magpies had been in talks with Benitez over an improved deal for the past 18 months, but the club failed to provide him with the offer he was looking for.
Newcastle offered him a one-year contract on £6 million salary – with bonuses included – but club owner Mike Ashley’s stance over transfer budgets has been a major turn-off for the Spaniard.
The Newcastle fans are obviously heartbroken as they adored Benitez. Both current and former players have taken to social networking sites to express their reactions as well.