Fulham striker Aleksandar Mirovic says Rafa Benitez was the reason why he left Newcastle, although he holds no grudges against the Spanish boss.

Mitrovic completed a permanent £22million move to the Premier League new boys in the summer after a successful loan spell in the second-half of last season and the 23-year-old is bang in form.

With four goals from four games the forward is loving his football, but it was not like that at St James’ Park, according to Mitrovic.

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

“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 Serbia striker could never assert himself in the first team under Benitez, despite becoming a firm fans’ favourite. His lack of discipline became a problem for the Newcastle boss and he was eventually offloaded this summer; Mitrovic though does not hold a grudge.

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

“Newcastle is a big club but they have problems with the owner. Everyone knows Mike Ashley. They have taken large steps forward but also to go back. I do wish them success.”

After just six Premier League appearances for Newcastle last season, scoring once, Mitrovic is one of the west London club’s star men this season, and his working relationship with boss Slavisa Jokanovic is a good one.

“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,” added Mitrovic.