Former Liverpool star Michael Thomas is not surprised to see Everton snap up Rafa Benitez as their new manager.
Benitez was confirmed as the new Everton boss at the end of June after the surprise departure of Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid at the beginning of that month.
The 61-year-old arrives at Goodison Park with a wealth of experience having managed in Spain, Italy, England and China in the past.
However, his appointment is arguably the most controversial in Merseyside football history due to his spell with Liverpool.
Benitez managed the Anfield club between 2004-10 and helped guide them to Champions League and FA Cup glory, and a second-place Premier League finish.
But despite Benitez crossing the Merseyside divide, Thomas is calling on Reds to respect the Spaniard's decision.
He told CaughtOffside : “He [Benitez] is a very good manager that has worked at the highest level so there is no surprise that Everton snapped him up.
“His professionalism is not to be questioned so they have got themselves a top manager.
"It is a bit weird to see a manager go from Liverpool and end up at Everton, but I hope the fans respect his career choice.”
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