Everton on Wednesday have signed former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez as their new manager, with the Spaniard on a three-year deal.
Everton have been on the hunt for a new manager since Carlo Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid for a second stint.
“Benitez’s appointment comes after a strong and wide-ranging recruiting process by the club over the past three weeks, a process that has included several interviews with several candidates,” the club said in a statement.
Benitez managed Everton’s Merseyside rival Liverpool from 2004 to 2010, leading them to Champions League glory in 2005 and the FA Cup the following season.
He also led Chelsea to the Europa League title in 2013 as an interim manager after two seasons with Napoli and a brief stint at Madrid, where he was sacked halfway through his first season.
Benitez returned to England and took charge of Newcastle United who were considering relegation in March 2016. Although the club were eventually relegated to the second division championship, the 61-year-old man brought the club back the following season but friction between him and club owner Mike Ashley led to his departure in 2019.
Benitez joined the Chinese Super League where he led Dalian Professional, but left in January due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I am delighted to be joining Everton. Throughout this process I have been greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the senior representatives at the club and their desire to bring success to this historic club.” Benitez said.
“I believe this is a club that is going places. I’m determined to play a big part in helping this great club achieve its ambitions.
“You can see the ambition is there. This club is growing. For me, it is about bringing the winning mentality, being competitive, so everything is in place on the pitch and off the pitch.” he added.
