Jesus' Praise For "World Class" Rafa

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Newcastle United's latest signing Jesus Gamez is relishing working under "world class" boss Rafa Benitez at St. James' Park.

The versatile Spanish full-back arrived on Tyneside on Friday from Atletico Madrid, signing an initial two-year deal with the Magpies.

Prior to this switch, Gamez had spent his entire career in his homeland, with nine seasons at Malaga followed by two at Atletico, helping the latter to the final of last term's Champions League.

But while it could seem like an unusual switch - swapping the top end of La Liga for the Sky Bet Championship - Gamez was under no hesitation to sign up to Benitez's project to put United back in English football's top tier.

"It was not a difficult decision at all," the 31-year-old told nufcTV.

"Considering the type of player I am, I think I am a really good match for English football.

"I am really happy to have the opportunity to play in England.

"Rafa is a world class manager, someone who knows what he is doing and that gives you the confidence that there is a project here - not just for this season but also for the future. I am looking forward to working with him.

"In Spain, we consider Newcastle to be one of the big clubs in England.

"It is a historical club that has had the misfortune of finding itself in the Championship this year.

"But it is a club that needs to be in the Premier League because that is where its historical potential is."

You can watch the full nufcTV interview with Jesus Gamez here