Rafa 'I Didn't Sign For The Millions'

Last updated : 04 July 2019 By Footy Mad - Editor

Chinese side Dalian Yifang have appointed former Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez as their new manager.

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The deal sees the Spaniard pick up £12m a season, but he insists "I didn't sign for the big money."

Rafa left the club on Sunday after his contract expired, saying Newcastle "did not share his vision".

He replaces Choi Kang-hee, who resigned on Monday.

"After a long path, we start a new challenge. I´m happy to begin this new project with Dalian Yifang," said Benitez.

Benitez, who has also managed Liverpool, Chelsea, Valencia and Real Madrid, had led Newcastle to a 13th place finish in the Premier League last season.

"I wanted to stay, but I didn't just want to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project," Benitez said in a letter to Newcastle fans on Monday.

"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 move to Dalian sees him reunited with Marek Hamsik, who played under Benitez at Napoli between 2013 and 2015.