A few days ago, it was announced that Javier Manquillo would finally be leaving Newcastle United after seven years at St James’ Park.
The defender had played very little under Eddie Howe, and it was clear that he needed a new start somewhere else, which Celta Vigo, managed by Rafa Benítez, were happy to provide.
The right-back was presented to the media on Thursday, where he was asked questions on various topics, all relayed by AS, including his decision to leave Newcastle.
He said: “Marco Garcés and Rafa Benítez called me. They contacted me and explained to me. It wasn’t a difficult decision because when they called me, I was already quite clear. I am very happy and eager to get started.”
It’s worth recalling that it was the Spanish manager who was in charge at Newcastle when the player arrived from Atlético Madrid in a €5m deal.
However, despite being at the club for such a long period of time, he only ever made 110 appearances in all competitions, which is why he needed to leave.
Manquillo added: “In the end, every place is different. Yes, we had difficult moments there, but the most important thing is that in the years that Rafa was there, none of us were suffering until the final day (of the season) and we managed to get out of it a lot sooner.”
Still only 29 years of age, the former Spain U21 international will now look to get his career back on track back in his home country.
