Daryl Janmaat has admitted he wasn’t fully committed to Newcastle United after the club’s Premier League relegation.
But the Dutch international feels that everybody has benefited from his move to Watford.
The right-back left St James’ Park on good terms and said farewell to team-mates and staff face to face in August at St James’ Park.
However, he has revealed that despite Benitez asking him to stay, his head was turned by the Hornets.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Janmaat said: “ Benítez wanted me to stay at the beginning but he also knew there was some interest and he always told me that he only wants players who are ‘100% focused on staying’, so when Watford and other clubs came in then there was a lot of talk.
“I thought about it and thought that, yes, I wanted to stay in the Premier League and it was also a factor for me with the national team.
“It also meant that Newcastle could get money for me so it felt like it was the right thing to do for everyone.
“I never felt bad about Newcastle .
“They gave me the chance to play in the Premier League and are a great club, a massive club and no-one wants to get involved in a relegation battle. “It was not pleasant and especially for the fans.
“They need to be in the Premier League.
“It’s not normal to see a club like Newcastle not in the Premier League so I hope it is just one year away.”
United replaced Janmaat with DeAndre Yedlin and Jesus Gamez, but Vurnon Anita has been playing right-back in the first few games.
Anita will now be suspended after a red card against Wolves.