Rafael Benitez confirms China move

Rafael Benitez has revealed on social media that he has taken up a new challenge after being appointed Dalian Yifang’s new manager, replacing Choi Kang-hee at the helm.

Benitez only left Newcastle United on Sunday after he was unable to come to an agreement over a new contract at St James’ Park, with the Spaniard saying he lost faith in the hierarchy.

In an interview with The Times, he said: “When I came to Newcastle, they gave me the plans for the new training ground, I was talking to the architect about changing a few things. And after three years… they painted the walls. “If you want to attract players, it’s about the facilities, the contract, the city, the way you treat them, the way you treat the agents.”

It has not taken the 59-year-old long to find new employers, with the former Liverpool, Napoli and Real Madrid boss being confirmed as Dalian Yifang’s new boss on Tuesday. South Korean Choi reportedly resigned from the position on Monday for “personal reasons”, leaving Dalian free to appoint Benitez, who is set to earn around £12million-per-year.

The Spaniard will link up with midfielder Marek Hamsik, who he worked with during his time at Italian side Napoli, while former Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco is also at the Chinese outfit. Benitez’s first game in charge of Dalian will be on Sunday, when the club take on Henan Jianye in the league, and he is looking forward to the new chapter in his managerial career.

He posted on Twitter: “After a long path… We start a new challenge! I’m happy to begin this new project with Dalian Yifang.” Newcastle, who are 3.75 to be relegated from the Premier League, are yet to find a replacement for Benitez as managing director Lee Charnley narrows down his search.