Newcastle United fullback Achraf Lazaar has hit out at former manager Rafa Benitez.

The Morocco international is starting a season-long loan deal at Coszena in Serie B.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "I signed because I Newcastle is a big club and I wanted to fight for the black-and-white shirt.

"So, yeah, I was disappointed.

"Rafa Benitez is a big manager and he chose to do that.

"He called me up and asked me to come to Newcastle, but after that he didn't play me.

"I was sorry about that.

"I lost two years of my career because of it.

"I have time to recover, but I still thank Rafa because he gave me some big lessons in my life.

"It helps me grow and to become a man.

"I just try to train with a smile on my face each day."