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Former Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has opened up on his exit from the club admitting that he and Rafa Benitez were the wrong fit for what both wanted to achieve.

The 23-year-old moved to Fulham for £22 million this summer after joining the Magpies three-years ago. Relegated in his first season in English football, Mitrovic’s career at United – despite being a fan favourite – never recovered.

Issues of trust from Rafa Benitez, especially over the Serbian’s discipline, made it hard for the 23-year-old to establish himself in the black and white shirt.

But from Mitrovic’s point of view, it was the way he was asked to play by Benitez which caused the most problems.

“Benitez plays defence and counter-attack,” Mitrovic told the Mail. “I tried to give my best but it wasn’t me.

“I was just running and getting in the team shape. He told me what he wanted and I tried but I am 90 kilos and if I run so much defensively I have no power left when I am in the box. He knew I couldn’t play in that style and I felt it too.

“Defensively he was one of the best and you can see that when they play, but personally I like to be close to the opponents’ box. I need crosses and service.”

The striker appeared only six times in the Premier League last season for Newcastle, scoring once. He was loaned out to Fulham in January where he went onto score 12 goals in 17 games as the West London side were promoted to the top flight.

The summer came and very nearly went without Mitrovic completing a permanent move to Fulham, even travelling to Portugal with United’s first team for a pre-season friendly, before being whisked back to finalise a deal which could go up to £27 million.

With four games gone, Mitrovic has scored four goals and has impressed some with his work rate and effort.

Under Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, he feels he has a manager who understands his strengths.

“I try to pay Slavisa back because he did everything to bring me here. Sometimes I will score and sometimes I won’t, but I give 100 per cent for him.’

But despite his United career ending without the goals he felt he could score, Mitrovic holds no grudges.

“Benitez is a great person and in the end I shook his hand.”