Rafael Benitez has confirmed his arrival at Chinese side Dalian Yifang barely a week after Newcastle announced his departure from Tyneside. The 59-year-old Spaniard, who became a free agent at midnight on Sunday when his Magpies contract expired, posted a picture captioned “Welcome Rafa Benitez” on his official Twitter account this morning. It was accompanied by the message: “#DalianYifang #ChinaSuperleague #China #Dalian #NewChallenge #NewChapter.”A second post added: “After a long path… We start a new challenge! I´m happy to begin this new project with Dalian Yifang.”Neither message confirms Benitez’s job title, although his announcement comes just a day after manager Choi Kang-hee resigned from his post. It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benítez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019.

Source: Irish Examiner July 02, 2019 08:37 UTC