The 20-year-old winger agreed a new five-year contract at St James’ Park on Wednesday afternoon, and it is expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours. But Aarons feels more trusted by Benitez, and has been used in his favoured left-wing role.
Advertisement
“Under the new manager there’s a project and it’s a forward-thinking club now, so I’m just happy to be part of what the manager has in store for the club”, said Aarons.
And the speedy youngster came off the bench for Newcastle’s opener in the Championship last friday, as the club lost 1-0 away at Fulham.
Aarons is/was in his final year of his contract and if he had left at the end of the season United would have been entitled a certain figure of compensation for developing him in recent seasons.
The jet heeled winger has so far appeared 17 times for the club, scoring three times and will be hopeful of more first team opportunities falling his way in the coming season following the drop down in divisions. He scored in the 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the season, his 2nd league goal for the club.
And he has hit the ground running in pre-season under Benitez, McClaren’s successor. “I’m not focused on contracts I just want to play games and score goals, that’s all that matters to me”.
“I can’t wait to get out there and play, and not be thought of as a “young player” but actually as a senior player”.
Advertisement
Aarons insisted Rafael Benitez’s long-term vision for Newcastle convinced him to commit to the club he joined from Bristol City in 2012.
