2005 Champions League winner and former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Newcastle United boss, Rafael Benitez, has completed a deal to join Chinese Super League club, Dalian Yifang, after he was offered £12 million (₦5.4 billion) to become the team’s new manager.

Benitez walked away from Newcastle United at the end of his contract on June 30, bringing an end to a three-year spell at St. James’ Park where he helped the Magpies win the Championship in 2017 and keep them in the top-flight in the two subsequent seasons.

“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 fans on Monday.

He added: “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 59-year-old has been appointed by the Chinese club as replacement for Choi Kang-hee, who had resigned from his role at Dalian Yifang on July 1, citing personal reasons for his decision.

He becomes the latest high profile manager to work in the Chinese Super League after the likes of former Jiangsu Suning boss Fabio Capello, current Fabio Cannavaro Guangzhou Evergrande coach Fabio Cannavaro and former Real Madrid Bernd Schuster who was recently also a manager at Dalian Yifang.

Benitez brings a wealth of experience to the CSL club, with some of his honours including the 2013 Europa League with Chelsea, and two La Liga titles with Real Madrid.

He also led Liverpool to a dramatic 2005 Champions League title as the Reds came from three goals down to force the game to penalties and lift the trophy for a fifth time.

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Benitez’s new adventure would see him reunite with Slovakian midfielder, Marek Hamsik, whom he worked with during his time at Serie A side, Napoli.

How do you think the former Champions League winner will fare in the Chinese Super League? Share your views with us in the comment section.