Daryl Janmaat explains why he left Newcastle United

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The Dutch international left Newcastle for Watford during the summer for £7.5m.

Dutch full-back Daryl Janmaat admits that he left Newcastle United because he could not fully focus on getting the club back to the Premier League, according to an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

Janmaat spent two seasons at the Magpies and was part of the side that was relegated from the top flight last season. And despite playing in United’s opening two Championship matches, the 27-year-old felt his preference was for a much more immediate return to the Premier League than his now former club could offer.

Consequently Janmaat was sold to Watford for £7.5m as they look to consolidate their place as a Premier League side under Walter Mazzarri.

And in an interview with the Daily Telegraph, the former Newcastle right-back said: “(Rafa) Benitez wanted me to stay at the beginning but he also knew there was some interest and he always told me that he only wants players who are ‘100% focused on staying’, so when Watford and other clubs came in then there was a lot of talk.

“I thought about it and thought that, yes, I wanted to stay in the Premier League and it was also a factor for me with the national team.

“It also meant that Newcastle could get money for me so it felt like it was the right thing to do for everyone. I never felt bad about Newcastle.”

Janmaat scored four goals in 75 appearances for the Magpies, one of those coming in the 2-1 defeat against Watford at St. James’ Park last season.

And the 28 capped international admits that he will always be grateful to Newcastle and hopes they make a swift return to the top flight.

“They gave me the chance to play in the Premier League and are a great club, a massive club,” Janmaat continued.

“No-one wants to get involved in a relegation battle. It was not pleasant and especially for the fans.

“They need to be in the Premier League. It’s not normal to see a club like Newcastle not in the Premier League so I hope it is just one year away.”

Janmaat was part of the Watford side who have just beaten Manchester United 3-1 at Vicarage Road; meanwhile Newcastle are looking to recover from Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.