Rafael Benitez has become a fans' favourite at St James' Park
Rafael Benitez is staying as
Newcastle United manager after signing a new three-year contract
following their relegation from the Premier League.
The
56-year-old Spaniard was appointed in March following Steve McClaren's
sacking but failed to keep the Magpies in the top flight.
He had a break clause in his contract if Newcastle were relegated and was widely expected to leave the club.
"The love I could feel from the fans was a big influence for me," he said.
Former
Liverpool, Chelsea, and Real Madrid boss Benitez will have control over
"all football-related matters" at the club, Newcastle said.
His predecessor McClaren was named as head coach last summer, working alongside chief scout Graham Carr.
Benitez's decision hinged on the amount of funds he is given to strengthen the squad.
"This
is a huge club and I wanted to be part of the great future I can see
for Newcastle United," added Benitez, who has also managed Valencia,
Inter Milan and Napoli.
"The main thing for me is that I have assurances that we will have a strong team - a winning team."
Benitez, who was sacked by Real in January, took over with Newcastle one point adrift of safety.
Despite losing only three of his 10 matches in charge, the Magpies were relegated with one game of the season remaining as north-east rivals Sunderland survived.
Home
supporters used their final match against Tottenham to try to convince
Benitez to stay at St James' Park, singing and chanting his name
throughout the home game.
Over 25,000 fans also signed a petition in the Newcastle Chronicle newspaper asking Benitez to stay
Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley said the club was delighted
to keep Benitez, who he described as a "world-class" manager.
"When
we brought Rafa to the club in March, we knew he was a phenomenal
manager and everything we have seen from him since has only served to
reinforce that," he added.
"I believe with Rafa as manager it
gives us the best possible chance of returning to the Premier League at
the first time of asking and delivering success for this football club
beyond that.
"It is clear that Rafa has connected deeply with the
club's supporters and we do not underestimate the role they have played
in his decision to stay.
"He has captured the hearts and minds not
just of the fans, but of everyone who has had the pleasure of working
with him at the club thus far."
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer said earlier this month he would be "amazed" if Benitez stayed at St James' Park.
Shearer,
who managed Newcastle briefly in 2009, told BBC Sport: "I'm sure he'll
have loads and loads of offers, not only from the Premier League but
from around the world."
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