Former Newcastle full back Davide Santon says he believes that Rafa Benitez is capable of taking the club forward in the long term, hailing the Spaniard as a 'great guy'.
Concerns have grown in recent weeks that Benitez may leave St James' Park at the end of the season if he does not receive certain assurances regarding the transfer policy at the club, with the Spaniard's contract expiring this summer.
The former Liverpool manager has been at Newcastle
“I worked with Rafa Benitez in Inter when I was younger, he is a great guy," Santon told the Chronicle.
The Italian, who made 94 appearances for the Tyneside club, was a fan favourite among the Toon Army, and claimed he still has fond memories of his former side, which he left to rejoin Inter four years ago.
Santon, who now plays under Claudio Ranieri at Roma, said:
"My girlfriend is from there and so I still visit regularly too.
"We were so close to the fourth position and the Champions League in the Premier League and managed to get to Europa League!"
The Magpies currently lie 13th in the Premier League table, seven points clear of relegation following a run of just one defeat in nine league games. They face a trip to Arsenal on Monday night.
Source : 90min