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Rafael Benitez is still a Geordie, pass it on.

Ah, good old Rafa. China is just about as far away from St. James’ Park as one can get, but that’s where the former Newcastle United boss now resides after a breakdown in contract talks saw him head to the far east.

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It’s safe to say that, having secured Premier League promotion at the first try and then keeping the Magpies afloat in the top flight for two seasons on a slim, Mike Ashley sized budget, Benitez is a very popular man around Tyneside.

As former midfield star Rob Lee said last week, Benitez may not be a Geordie, but he gets what the club means to the city and fans, and his latest Instagram snap shows he clearly still holds the Toon Army close to his heart.

Dalian, where Benitez currently manages Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, is located a short 5,134 miles from Newcastle, but that hasn’t stopped Magpies fans from reaching their former favourite...

Emojis can sometimes say more than words, and the Spaniard's red-faced smile in the caption is a pretty clear sign that he still adores Tyneside. Well, that and the 'good memories' hashtag of course.