Newcastle United supporters forced Rafa Benitez to do one thing after Premier League relegation

Jettisoned in to save the Magpies following Steve McClaren’s sacking, the Spaniard came agonisingly close to keeping the club afloat. Newcastle had 10 games to survive and, despite staying unbeaten for the final six fixtures, succumbed to the drop.

A release clause meant Benitez could leave on his own terms as soon as relegation was confirmed. However, the adulation from supporters on the final day of the campaign swung the 64-year-old’s decision.

Newcastle - already relegated and with 10 men due to Aleksandar Mitrovic’s red card - thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1, with all four corners of St James’ Park worshipping Benitez post-match. A raucous “Rafa Benitez, we want you to stay” echoed around Tyneside - and the tinkerman committed his future days later.

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Benitez secured an instant Premier League return before stabilising the club in the top flight over three-and-a-half years. A rift with Mike Ashley saw him walk out following the 2018-19 season - a move that also triggered thousands of fans giving up their season tickets.

There was talk about Amanda Staveley favouring Benitez for a potential comeback while the Saudi-backed takeover hit a crossroads. That never happened, with Eddie Howe’s appointment and later success killing reunion talk.

Fast forward to the present and Benitez is out of work after losing his job at Celta Vigo last year. Reflecting on his time at Newcastle, the tactician insisted the love from supporters impacted his decision to stay.

“I will tell you I decided to stay because of the fans,” Benitez told TNT Sports. “The atmosphere was amazing in our last game against Tottenham and then I decided to stay in the Championship because of the fans and the city. I was really pleased because my time over there was fantastic.”

“We always talk about the city and the team. You can see the passion of the fans. I am enjoying (watching Newcastle this season).”