Rafael Benitez has come out with a statement for the first time since being sacked as the manager of Real Madrid, and he seems to have taken this chance to thank everyone as well as say his last goodbyes.
Benitez was sacked after a 2-2 draw away at Valencia CF, as Real Madrid President Florentino Perez announced that club legend Zinedine Zidane would take over from the Spanish manager at the helm of the Santiago Bernabeu.
In his first official statement, Benitez said that it was an “honour” to manage the club where he was a youth, player in Real Madrid Castilla.
“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,” Benitez wrote in the official statement, on his own website.
“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, were I grew up as a person, player and coach from the lowest categories through to the first team,” the statement further read.
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“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 Bernab u 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 Bernab u, I wish all the best and also good luck.”
Former players renew rivalries in La Liga
The La Liga now has a unique situation, where the managers of the top three clubs Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Luis Enrique (FC Barcelona) and Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid) were also the stars at their respective clubs in their playing days.
The trio had played against each other about a decade ago and now would be renewing their rivalries in the press conferences, as the managers of their clubs.
