Rafa Benitez reveals he will leave Napoli ahead of expected Real Madrid move

Rafa Benitez has confirmed he will leave Napoli at the end of the season, with the Spanish coach widely expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. 

Ancelotti was sacked by Florentino Perez on Monday night, with Madrid's president explaining it would be good if the next manager spoke Spanish. 

Benitez will take charge of Napoli's game against Lazio this weekend, with Champions League qualification on the line, and is then expected to be presented at the Santiago Bernabeu some time next week. 

“I would like to thank the president [Aurelio De Laurentiis], the club and all the fans, because after two years I’m finishing my experience here with Napoli,” Benitez revealed in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

“It’s always sad to leave a job where the people have treated you well from the start and Napoli was like this to me.

“My family was key to me making this choice, Aurelio and Napoli have made every effort and we were close to a renewal."