Rafael Benitez moved to China "for money" despite Newcastle United going above and beyond to retain his services, according to the club's managing director.
Lee Charnley, who has held his position since April 2014, described Benitez's motivations as "clear" after the Spaniard left St James' Park following the expiry of his contract at the end of June.
The popular former Liverpool boss took charge at Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang the day after claiming "those at the top" did not share his vision for Newcastle.
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Magpies owner Mike Ashley accused Benitez of making unrealistic wage demands and went on to name ex-Sunderland manager Steve Bruce as his replacement, an appointment met with a degree of dissatisfaction on Tyneside.