Football
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Real Madrid confirm Rafa Benitez as new coach on three-year deal

Real Madrid have confirmed that Rafa Benitez will join the club as their new manager and will present him to the media on Wednesday.

The presentation is set for 1 p.m. local time, with the club revealing on Wednesday morning that the former Valencia, Liverpool and Chelsea coach has signed a three-year deal.

The former Napoli manager has spent the past two days working at Valdebebas training center and met with Real Madrid's general director Jose Angel Sanchez as well as the director of institutional relations, Emilio Butragueno, according to Spanish media.

The 55-year-old arrived in the Spanish capital on Monday afternoon ahead of finalising his contract.

"I am ready, I can't wait to be there," Benitez told AS on Monday.

The Spaniard will replace Carlo Ancelotti, who was relieved of his duties at the end of the season after two years in charge.

Benitez oversaw his final match in charge of Napoli as they lost 4-2 against Lazio at the weekend to finish fifth in the Serie A table and miss out on a Champions League spot for next season.

On his website, Benitez wrote a thank you note to the Napoli fans on Tuesday.

"As you all know because of special circumstances I did not have the chance to say goodbye to Naples, the Neapolitans and the Napoli fans as I would have really liked. So now as one chapter ends and another starts I want you to know my feelings," he wrote.

"I have spent two unforgettable years in Naples enjoying a unique, beautiful city with a superb location. I enjoyed the people and the lifestyle of neapolitans. Now as I say goodbye I would like to thank each and every one of you for the special times I spent there.

"There have been many special moments and each and every one is a sign of the affection that I have for the club and its fans. I'll keep the memories of two wonderful years and many experiences all my life. So many things, so many moments, heartfelt thanks to all."

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