Newcastle United fans will love Kenedy's verdict on his time at the club – and playing for Rafa Benitez

The winger spent a season and a half on loan at St James's Park from Chelsea during Rafa Benitez’s time as manager.

Kenedy, now on loan at Granada, made a big impact when he first arrived Newcastle in January 2018, but was less influential when he returned for a season-long loan.

Speaking to the The Athletic, the 25-year-old said: “I felt at home there. I can still remember my first game at St James’s Park. It was spectacular. We only drew (against Burnley), but it was a great game.

"I could feel the warmth of the fans in the stadium. My friend was watching from the stands, and when I spoke to him after the match he said that he had felt the same thing.

“Those first few months were great. It was a brilliant end to the season. The Newcastle supporters are amazing, so fanatic. I’m happy to have experienced that. It was the best. He (Benitez) taught me how to be a team player, to do my job in a system.”

Kenedy, however, struggled to understand the Geordie accent during his time in the city.

“I didn’t understand much English in London ” said Kenedy. “So imagine me up there in Newcastle with that accent! It was complicated.”

Reflecting on his second campaign at United, Kenedy said: “It was a difficult season, really tough.

“My family stayed in London, and it was just different. I was used to being on my own, because I left home as a teenager. But when you start a family, it becomes more difficult when you’re far away.”