Rafael Benítez has announced he is leaving Napoli after two years with the Serie A club amid widespread expectation that the Spaniard is poised to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Benítez, who had a stint in Real’s youth setup in the 1990s, made the announcement at a news conference with Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, on Thursday before their final match of the season, against Lazio.
“I would like to thank the president, the club and all the fans because after two years I’m finishing my experience here with Napoli,” the former Valencia and Liverpool manager said. “On Sunday we are facing a very important match and I want to conclude my two years here with a victory.
“It’s always sad to leave a job where the people have treated you well from the start and Napoli was like this to me. My family was key to me making this choice, Aurelio and Napoli have made every effort and we were close to a renewal.”
Among other trophies, Benítez won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 after twice winning La Liga with Valencia. He is now tipped to return to Spain as a replacement for Ancelotti, who left the Santiago Bernabéu this week with a year of his contract remaining.
Having served as the coach of Real’s Castilla reserve team this season, Zinedine Zidane is expected to be announced as Benítez’s assistant, while reports in Spain have suggested the club could also employ a new sporting director to work alongside the duo.
