Rafa Benitez says Newcastle are not a 'stepping stone'

Rafa Benitez insists he will not allow Newcastle United to be used as a "stepping stone" to bigger clubs.

Benitez says he is only interested in players who want to stay at the club long-term, following a number of high-profile signings and departures. 

The Spaniard has brought in 12 new players this summer, including Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie and Mo Diamé. 

Moussa Sissoko left the club for Tottenham on Deadline Day, while the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Andros Townsend, Daryl Janmaat, Papiss Cissé and Rémy Cabella have also departed. 

"We are only interested in bringing players to Newcastle who want to work hard for the club and the team, not players who want to be at another club maybe next year or the year after," Benitez told Newcastle's official website. 

"We are not a stepping stone, we are Newcastle United. Every player should be honoured to wear the shirt of this club. They should feel the same passion that the fans feel."

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Benitez admits that team spirit was an issue during some difficult months which culminated in relegation last season. 

"Fans will know that sometimes the team spirit was not strong last season and that was part of the problem why we got relegated," he said.

"A group of individuals with a lot of talent does not make a good team. Our priority has been to build a strong team with good character, mentality and also talent.

"Gini, Moussa and Daryl also wanted to play in the top division. They are talented players but our objective is very clear and we needed every single player, like the staff and the fans, pushing in the same direction.

"With Andros, I wanted to keep him because he was exactly the type of creative player that we could build the team around, but football is not always as easy as that.

"He loved being at Newcastle but he wanted to play in the Premier League. We had to respect his decision."