Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says that Rafael Benitez is the best manager to lead Los Blancos, revealing that he intended to sign the Spaniard in 2009, but could not get him as he had committed his future to Liverpool.

Benitez has been given the reins of the Spanish giants after the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, who was let go following a season without major silverware.




Perez feels that Benitez, who started his managerial career with a stint with Real Madrid B in 1993 and held the post until 1995, is the right man to lead the club back amongst the trophies and his intimate relationship with Los Blancos made him the perfect candidate.

“Rafa Benitez is the best for Madrid at this time”, Perez told Cadena Ser.
 


“He knows the culture, the values, and is from this 'house'.”

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The president further revealed that he intended to install Benitez as Real Madrid boss in 2009, but he had renewed his contract with Liverpool and thus was not in a position to leave for the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I thought of him in 2009 and offered him the job.

“The circumstances didn't allow it because he had renewed with Liverpool and couldn't leave them. Benitez is Spanish, a Madridista."