The powerful midfielder surprisingly left promoted Hull to join The Magpies in the Championship.
When you’re attempting to convince a player to swap guaranteed Premier League football for a successive campaign of second tier slog, it helps when you’ve got a Champions League title, an FA Cup and a Europa League on your CV.
Yet, it wasn’t just Rafa Benitez’s almost unrivalled trophy haul that persuaded last season’s play-off final hero Mo Diame to depart Hull City for recently relegated Newcastle United in the summer.
Instead, the Senegalese claimed it was the 56-year-old’s long-term planning and desire to build a dynasty on Tyneside. After enduring seven acrimonious months at Real Madrid, Benitez is understandably looking to settle down in Northern England.
“There is so much potential at Newcastle. We’ve got a big squad. I was talking with the manager when I signed,” Diame said before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations, The Chronicle reports.
“When he called me before I came here he told me he wanted to build something to get promoted and build something for next season, not to be fighting to stay in the Premier League – to do something very strong [next season].
“I am very happy to hear that.”
From hailing the club’s commendably passionate fanbase to expressing great admiration for Kevin Keegan’s legacy, Benitez has clearly discovered a club, a city, that he can make his own.
The two-time La Liga champion has endured many a sniping question about his man-management and tactical nous since bringing an end to six largely successful years at Liverpool, while his relationship with the fans at Chelsea, Real Madrid and Napoli appeared strained from day one.
However, it’s clear that Benitez feels at home at St James’ Park and, as Diame reveals, he’s got a long-term plan in mind.
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