Newcastle United transfer target Adrian has revealed that he holds a lot of respect for Magpies manager Rafa Benitez.
West Ham United’s Adrian had been linked with a move to join Newcastle in the summer transfer after the Hammers signed Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City.
However, the move never materialized and having stayed put at the London Stadium, Adrian has gone on to win back the first choice position between the sticks at West Ham.
Although the move to Newcastle did not go through, Adrian has now revealed that he was very close to joining the Magpies and added that it was the respect he felt for Benitez to be the driving factor behind his decision to consider a switch to St.James’ Park.
In a recent interview, Adrian told reporters, “To be honest, the start of this season was the hardest three or four months I have had at West Ham.
“At the end of last season, I got my position in the starting eleven again and I played well and we finished well so to be out of the team at the start of this season was hard for me.
“I knew that, if I worked hard, this opportunity would come, initially in the cup games, and possibly in the Premier League, to show my level.
“I have known Rafa for a long time. He is a very good manager and did a very good job at Newcastle when they were in the second tier.
“They started the season very well but they have not got good results in their last few games, so it’s a good time for us to give our maximum in our own stadium and get the three points. I wish Rafa Benitez the best but not on Saturday!”
