Rafael "Rafa" Benitez confirms the rumors that he is leaving Serie A club Napoli after two years of managerial stint. Benitez is also the favored replacement manager for Spanish club Real Madrid after it sacked its current manager Carlo Ancelloti.

 The 55 year old Spanish manager told reporters, "I want to thank the chairman, club and fans because after two year my experience here in Napoli is coming to an end."

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According to BBC, Benitez will have its farewell game with Napoli on Sunday when the club faces current Serie A third placer Lazio. Napoli is current at fourth place just three points behind Lazio.

Benitez's has previously managed teams from various international leagues. Among these teams are Valencia, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Chelsea.

On his years with Valencia, he was able to guide the team to two La Liga titles and one UEFA Cup title, according to Sky Sports. While in Liverpool, Benitez won the Champions League trophy in 2005, UEFA Super Cup in 2005, the FA Cup in 2006 and the Community Shield in 2006 as well.

 Benitez was the manager of Napoli when the club won the Italian Cup and Italian Super Cup, both in 2014.

When asked for his reason in leaving Napoli, Benitez cited that his family played a central role in influencing him to leave the Italian club, according to The Guardian.

After Benitez confirmed his departure from Napoli, the rumors about him taking the reins of Real Madrid is almost certain. On Monday, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez fired Carlo Ancelloti as club manager.

Many sports analysts associate the recent managerial overhaul over at Real Madrid to the clubs recent lackluster performance in terms of local and international tournaments. Real Madrid finished second their arch-rival FC Barcelona in La Liga. Spanish club Juventus also knocked Real Madrid out of the Champions League tournament.

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