Rondon shares the moment he knew he wouldn’t return to Newcastle

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Newcastle United lost loan striker Salomon Rondon this summer.

Dalian Yifang striker Salomon Rondon has told The Sun that he knew he wouldn’t be signing permanently for Newcastle United as soon as he heard about Rafael Benitez’s exit.

Rondon, 29, spent last season on loan at St James’ Park, as Benitez engineered a loan swap deal, which involved Dwight Gayle heading to West Bromwich Albion.

A big, physical and hard-working centre forward, Rondon was absolutely perfect for Benitez’s style of play, and he made a huge impact on Magpies fans.

Supporters loved the Venezuelan, and he ended the campaign with 11 goals and seven assists in the Premier League before his loan move ended.

Fans were really hoping Rondon would stay permanently at St James’ Park, and boss Benitez was keen for a deal to happen – but neither are with the club now.

Benitez left Newcastle at the end of his contract in June after failing to agree a new deal, and he quickly moved on to Chinese side Dalian Yifang in a money-spinning switch.

Benitez then ended Newcastle’s chances of keeping Rondon by luring him to China too, reuniting in a double move which was hard for Magpies fans to see.

Rondon has now admitted that last season was ‘beautiful’ as he loved playing for Newcastle in front of their adoring fans, but admitted that the moment he saw Benitez leaving the club, he knew he wouldn’t be returning.

“It was a beautiful year for me last season. I loved it because the supporters were behind me all the time,” said Rondon. “I enjoyed playing with the No 9 shirt, I scored goals and the atmosphere at St James’ Park was amazing. Always, I will remember that season. Was I disappointed to leave? Yes, because I was waiting for something. I was waiting for Rafa.”

“When I went to the Copa America, I thought Rafa would sign for Newcastle. But he didn’t and when Rafa said he was going, my possibility to stay at Newcastle went down straight away. Rafa brought me to Newcastle and he fought with the owners to bring me there. So when Rafa said goodbye, I felt I would have to say goodbye as well. I understood in that moment I would not sign for Newcastle,” he added.