Rafa Benitez has been appointed as the new manager of Italian side Napoli, according to BBC Sport. Benitez, 53, had been the interim manager of Chelsea FC since the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo in November last year but was always due to leave the London club at the end of the season. Benitez led Chelsea to Europa League trophy victory earlier this month and secured Champions League football for the club next season with a third place finish in the Premier League, above rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis posted a picture of himself and Benitez on his twitter account and said:
"Rafa Benitez is the new coach of Napoli. A man of great international experience. A leader."
Despite Benitezs achievements he was welcomed to a hostile Stamford Bridge with many fans demanding for the return of Roberto Di Matteo before Benitez had even managed a game. Benitez has a solid CV in the world of football having two La Liga titles, one FA Cup, one Champions League trophy, one Europa League trophy and one UEFA Super Cup trophy to his name. Benitez has led huge clubs such as Chelsea, Liverpool, Valencia and Inter Milan all to greatness at his time with each club. Benitez will have several key European figures in his Napoli squad with Edinson Cavani seen as a main player for the team. For Chelsea, rumours are suggesting that Jose Mourinho will return to the Bridge now Rafa Benitez has departed.