Newcastle have announced that Rafa Benitez has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal.
Benitez replaced Steve McClaren as Newcastle manager in March but failed to guide the club to safety.
The Spaniard reportedly had a clause inserted in his original deal that would have allowed him to walk away from the Magpies in the case they were relegated but Newcastle have been handed a huge boost after he signalled his intent to remain at St. James’ Park.
Benitez, who started the season as Real Madrid manager, has successfully negotiated to be in control of transfers, which no previous manager has managed to convince owner Mike Ashley to do.“I am extremely pleased to be staying at Newcastle United,” Benitez told the club's official website.
“The love I could feel from the fans was a big influence for me in my decision to stay, as was my relationship with Lee Charnley and all the staff.
“This is a huge club and I wanted to be part of the great future I can see for Newcastle United.”
Under Benitez, Newcastle collected 13 points from his 10 full games in charge, which was a nine points better than the bottom three clubs in that time.
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