Hala Madrid And Nothing Else- Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez has broken his silence following his dismissal as Real Madrid head coach, claiming it was an honour and a privilege to have been given the opportunity to take charge at the Bernabeu.

Benitez may well feel aggrieved at having not been given more time to fully implement his ideas just 25 games after taking over from Carlo Ancelotti last summer, but the 55-year-old has released a statement full of dignity following his sacking. Benitez was relieved of his duties after just seven months in the Madrid hotseat, with club president Florentino Perez replacing the Spaniard with Zinedine Zidane on Monday evening.

In a statement on the manager's official website, Benitez writes: “Now, at the end of my time as first-team coach of Real Madrid, I would like to use this article to say goodbye to everyone at every level of the club. I want everyone at the club from the board of directors, executives, workers and all of the fans, (to) know that it has been an honour and privilege to be in charge at this club, where I grew up as a person, player and coach from the lowest categories through to the first team. As a madridista from Madrid, steeped in the traditions and values of this institution, which I learned in the old sports city of Castellana, it has been an honour to work for these colours. I would especially like to thank everyone at the new sports city and the Santiago Bernabeu who, since my first steps through the door, have supported me and made my work easier. Thanks to all for helping. With all that I have said still in mind, I would like to wish good luck to Zinedine Zidane, my successor, and his staff. To all the players, coaches and staff in both Valdebebas and Bernabeu, I wish all the best and also good luck.

With all my respect and thanks... HALA MADRID and NOTHING ELSE”

Benitez is due to receive £7million in compensation from Madrid after getting the boot seven months into his contract. That works out as £32,500 for every day the Spaniard was in charge at the Bernabeu