Former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Dalian Yifang Manager, Rafael Benitez has returned to the Premier League having been appointed as the new Everton boss on a three-year deal, replacing Carlo Ancelotti who left Goodison Park to return to Real Madrid earlier this month.
The former fan-favourite Liverpool manager was confirmed as the new manager at Everton today, becoming only the second person ever to manage both big Merseyside clubs and the first after William Edward Barclay, who was the first manager for both Everton and then a few years later Liverpool, over 125 years ago. (Liverpool were founded when Everton moved out of Anfield to Goodison after a disagreement over rent.)
Upon his appointment, the former Napoli said: “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. 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."
Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri said: “Rafa impressed us greatly with his knowledge and experience but, above all, the passion and hunger he showed to join our club. “We are appointing Rafa because we believe he will bring success to our club and to Evertonians. To put it simply - we need to be competing at the top-end of the league and to be winning trophies.
Rafa is a proven winner with huge experience in coaching internationally and we have secured the best man to achieve that for us."
His appointment to Everton is coming days after Merseyside Police said they are investigating a threatening banner aimed at Benitez, hung near his family home. Images also circulated on social media of a banner, reading 'We know where you live, don't sign', which was allegedly put up close to the Spaniard's home in Wirral - where his family have been living since his time as Liverpool manager.
Everton begins their 2021-22 season at home to Southampton on 14 August. The club will confirm the staff who will join Duncan Ferguson and Alan Kelly as part of Benitez's backroom team in the coming days.
