Benitez confirms Dalian Yifang move: Directors passion convinced me

Former Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed he's moving to Dalian Yifang.

Benitez formally left Newcastle on Monday when his contract expired and this morning announced he would be taking the Dalian Yifang job.

According to English press sources, Dalian Yifang had offered Benitez 13.4m which would make him the best paid technician of the competition beating Fabio Cannavaro, who receives 12.3m at Guangzhou Evergrande.

For his move to China, Benitez will be accompanied by the coaching staff he had in England - Paco de Miguel, Mikel Anta and Antonio Gmez plus the new addition of the Croatian Darko Matic.

Benitez stated, "What I have found with Dalian is a project that has arrived at the right time and that has been a key factor in my decision.

"When in some leaders you see so much enthusiasm in having you, it is a further stimulus to work to the fullest and respond in the best way to that trust they have placed in us."

After a long path... We start a new challenge! Im happy to begin this new project with Dalian Yifang. #ChinaSuperleague #China #DalianYifang #NewChallenge #NewChapter pic.twitter.com/YLwd46bpjh

— Rafa Benitez Web (@rafabenitezweb) July 2, 2019