Rafa Benitez signs 3-year deal to stay at Newcastle

Newcastle United will continue to have its Champions League-winning manager at the helm next season in England's second tier after Rafa Benitez agreed to remain manager when he put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

(Courtesy: Newcastle)

The club added that Benitez, who replaced Steve McClaren in March, will also be responsible for daily "football-related matters at the club."

"I am extremely pleased to be staying at Newcastle United," Benitez told the team's 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."

Although he failed to keep Newcastle in the Premier League, Benitez guided the team to an impressive six-match unbeaten run to finish the season.

"He has captured the hearts and minds not just of the fans, but of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him at the club thus far," managing director Lee Charnley added.

"As a world-class manager we had no doubt in our minds as to the importance of retaining him at Newcastle United."

An announcement regarding his coaching staff will be made in the coming days.