Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis thanked departing Coach Rafa Benitez for his efforts at the club before defending the Vesuviani’s record.
The Spanish Coach has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid and announced at a Press conference today that he is departing at the end of the season.
De Laurentiis was sitting alongside Benitez as he made the announcement and expressed his gratitude to the former Liverpool boss.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis thanked departing Coach Rafa Benitez for his efforts at the club before defending the Vesuviani’s record.
The Spanish Coach has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid and announced at a Press conference today that he is departing at the end of the season.
De Laurentiis was sitting alongside Benitez as he made the announcement and expressed his gratitude to the former Liverpool boss.
“I thank Rafa for this time together, he won me over straight away in London two years ago and he has confirmed that impression to me since,” said De Laurentiis.
“Already a year ago Benitez let me know that this was his last season because his wife and children demanded to be closer to him.”
The Partenopei President also defended Napoli’s recent record, economic strategy and progress since he took over.
“We are the only Italian team that continues to be in Europe for the sixth consecutive year, the process of internationalisation has gone forward and the concept of playing with two midfielders rather than instead of three or five has developed.
“Economically we’re at a third of Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus. This season, on June 30 we will finish the season with a loss of €20m.
“Two years ago we were 46th in the UEFA rankings, now we are 20th and ahead of Roma, Milan, Inter, Liverpool and Sevilla. We are the only Italian team to have won two trophies, only us and Juventus.”