Topics: Rafael Benitez, Florentino Perez, Real Madrid, La Liga
Los Blancos released an official statement on Wednesday, in which they revealed Benitez will be the new first-team manager.

It’s finally official. After weeks of speculation over who would be Carlo Ancelotti’s successor as Real Madrid boss, the club officially announced that they have signed Rafael Benitez as their new first-team manager.

The 55-year-old former Napoli manager was handed a three-year contract and was presented at Los Blancos’ Santiago Bernabeu stadium later on the same day, as he was spotted with tears in his eyes during the conference.

Receiving an ovation as he took to the podium, Benitez stated: 

“This is the hard part, having to speak but not really knowing what to say. Madrid is my home. It’s emotional to be back. I hope it goes well, that the team plays quality football and wins trophies.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez with some kind words for Benitez

Despite never having taken the helms of a club of Real Madrid’s history and pedigree, Chelsea being the closest, Rafael knows what it takes to win titles, and has delivered silverware throughout his coaching career.

Guiding Liverpool to a remarkable Champions League win in 2005 being his most memorable trophy, the Spaniard has also won two La Liga titles, one UEFA Cup, and a Europa League during his interim-manager days at Stamford Bridge.

But the jury is still out on whether he is the right man to lead the 10-time Champions League winners. Whilst some welcomed Benitez back to the club where he started his playing and coaching career, others took to Twitter to express their frustration in Real Madrid’s decision to appoint him.