Rafa Benitez: My heart says yes to stay at Newcastle but my brain says otherwise

The Spaniard, who took over at St James’s Park in March, has a break clause in his contract allowing him to leave the club this summer after their relegation to the Championship.

The club’s fans chanted his name constantly during the surprise 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at St James’s Park, but Benitez says he is still undecided about his future.

“I said before the game that I am really pleased with the fans, the staff, and people here,” Benitez told BBC Sport. “My heart is telling me yes [to stay], it is a great opportunity, city and club but my brain is saying to analyse what is going on.

“I am really open to talking and see what happens. I have been in football all this time you want to be sure people love you and if you work hard that they recognise that you are trying your best and I have this here.

“I knew that every day when I walk in the streets. Everyone is so positive and the atmosphere today doesn’t surprise me too much.

“They were supporting for 90 minutes, I knew it would be like this and that is why I am so open to keep on talking.”