Despite being sold by Rafa Benitez while at Newcastle, midfielder Siem de Jong has no hard feelings towards the Spaniard.
The Dutch midfielder departed Newcastle after an inconsistent three seasons at Tyneside. He went on loan to PSV Eindhoven.
"For me it was just a very important year that I look back on with a good feeling," De Jong said about his year in Eindhoven.
"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."
The Dutchman did feature for Newcastle in pre-season following his year on loan, and there were reports Rafa Benitez wanted to give him a chance in the Premier League. However, an offer from Ajax meant de Jong made a permanent return to his homeland.
Source: tribalfootball.com