Newcastle’s Lee Charnley tells fans Rafa Benitez moved to China ‘for money’ in Arsenal programme

Newcastle's Lee Charnley savages Rafa Benitez

In the Newcastle programme for Sunday's Premier League match against Arsenal, Lee Charnley has tried to change the narrative around St. James' Park.

Newcastle fans have reportedly turned their backs on their club after another disappointing summer.

Amid reports of a protest against Arsenal, in which fans will stay away from the ground, Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley has told supporters that Rafael Benitez left the club "for money".

Why Rafa Benitez left Newcastle – Charnley

Lee Charnley wrote the following:

We understand and expected the disappointment that Rafa's departure caused. We strongly believe we went beyond what could reasonably be asked in order to keep him. But let's be clear, he moved to China for money.

The offer he received was too tempting. We understand that and there is nothing wrong with that. It was not something we could compete against. We wish him well for the future and thank him for all he achieved.

There is certainly a need to communicate more as a club and to let fans know where we are heading collectively. That goes beyond the responsibility of just the head coach or manager in isolation; something we have relied on far too heavily in the past.

‘The owner here doesn’t share my ambition (so I’m off to China for £12m/year)’ Rafa Benitez. ‘I couldn’t be more proud to manage this club. It’s my club. It was my Dad’s club’ Steve Bruce. I hope the Toon Army eventually works it out. Get behind your team today guys. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼.

— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) August 11, 2019

What Rafa Benitez said

According to the beloved Spanish manager himself, Benitez left the Magpies due to a lack of "vision" from those in charge.

View this post on Instagram

To Newcastle United fans #NUFC #Newcastle #Toons #ThankYou

A post shared by Rafa Benitez (@rafabenitezrb) on Jun 30, 2019 at 10:41pm PDT