After getting sacked less than seven months into his tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu, Rafa Benitez has released a statement on his official website to thank the club and the fans. The Spanish boss was replaced by Zinedine Zidane who officially took over today and he too appreciated Rafa Benitez for what he had done at the club in his first press conference.
Benitez first bid farewell to everyone he worked with at the club – from the board of directors to the workers – and also the fans. He spoke about managing the club being an ‘honour and privilege’ especially considering he had grown at the club.
In fact, his first managerial outing was coach of the Real Madrid B side between 1993 and 1995. He had also been an assistant manager to then Real Madrid manager Vicente del Bosque for a while.
The 55-year-old manager also wished his successor Zidane and the players all the very best before signing off with the traditional ‘Hala Madrid’.
Rafa Benitez’s statement in full
Now, at the end of my time as first team coach of Real Madrid, I would like to use this article to say goodbye to everyone at every level of the club.
I want everyone at the club from the Board of directors, executives, workers and all of the fans, know that it has been an honour and privilege to be in charge at this club where I grew up as a person, player and coach from the lowest categories through to the first team.
As a Madridista from Madrid, steeped in the traditions and values of this institution, which I learned in the old sports city of Castellana, it has been an honour to work for these colours. I would especially like to thank everyone at the new sports city and the Santiago Bernabéu who since my first steps through the door have supported me and made my work easier. Thanks to all for helping.
With all that I have said still in mind, I would like to wish good luck to Zinedine Zidane, my successor, and his staff. To all the players, coaches and staff in both Valdebebas and Bernabéu, I wish all the best and also good luck.
With all my respect and thanks... HALA MADRID and NOTHING ELSE.
| Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | Win% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 17 | 5 | 3 | 69 | 22 | 68% |
