Former Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has been appointed manager of Chinese side Dalian Yifang.
Benitez succeeds Choi Kang-hee, who resigned on Monday, and he'll be reunited with Marek Hamsik who played for him at Napoli for two seasons.
After a long path... We start a new challenge! I´m happy to begin this new project with Dalian Yifang. #ChinaSuperleague #China #DalianYifang #NewChallenge #NewChapter pic.twitter.com/YLwd46bpjh
— Rafa Benitez Web (@rafabenitezweb) July 2, 2019
"After a long path, we start a new challenge. I´m happy to begin this new project with Dalian Yifang," said Benitez of his appointment on a two-and-a-half year contract.
“I have had offers of greater financial significance during my career, but they weren’t the project I was looking for.
“What I have found at Dalian is an incredible project that has arrived at the perfect time and this has been a major factor in my decision.
We’ve accepted the challenge of leading a superb project with the full backing and confidence of the club’s leadership team.”
The Spaniard left his role at St James' Park on Sunday after his contract expired, saying that the Premier League team "did not share his vision".
"I wanted to stay, but I didn't just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project.
"I'm very sad about that, but I do not regret for one moment my decision to come to Tyneside and I'm very proud about what we achieved together."
The former Liverpool, Chelsea, Valencia and Real Madrid boss is reportedly going to earn €13-million a year in the Chinese Super League.
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