Former Newcastle United midfielder Siem de Jong has told the Dutch media he was sent out on loan to PSV last season because Rafael Benitez didn’t think he suited the Championship.
De Jong finally left Newcastle United on a permanent move last summer, after failing to make an impact during his time at St James’ Park.
Speaking to Voetbol international, De Jong spoke about how his loan move came about: “For me it was just a very important year that I look back on with a good feeling. After two difficult seasons in England, I wanted to play a lot again. Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez was honest with me at the beginning of last season.
“According to him, I could stay with the club, but the game in the Championship would not be my way of playing football.”
De Jong signed for Newcastle United in 2014, and the Dutchman cost the Premier League side €9m. His appearances for the club were reduced due to injury, and subsequently last season he was sent out on loan to PSV. With the player no longer in the plans of Benitez, a return to the Netherlands always looked likely before the deadline.
He didn’t feature in any of Newcastle United’s opening Premier League games this season, and eventually rejoined Ajax for a fee in the region of €2m.
ND
