Rafael Benitez has promised “quality football” which “wins trophies” after being appointed as Real Madrid manager on a three-year contract.
The ex-Liverpool boss ended a two-year stint with Napoli following a 4-2 home defeat by Lazio on Sunday.
“Madrid is my home, it’s emotional to be back,” said Benitez.
The 55-year-old was described as “a methodical tactician, tireless worker and footballing scholar” on the official Real website.
The article added: “Benitez is one of the greatest coaches on the global stage.”
Madrid-born Benitez will replace Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked last week just a year after winning the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.
Spaniard Benitez will arrive at the Bernabeu with plenty of European pedigree, having won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, UEFA Cup with Valencia in 2004 and the Europa League while interim manager at Chelsea two years ago.
Rick Parry, former chief executive at Liverpool, told BBC Radio 5 live: “I think it’s a great appointment for Rafa at his home club.
“In many ways it’s his dream job. It was one that he kept telling us was on the cards whilst he was at Liverpool.”
Benitez started his coaching career with Real’s youth squad but it was with Valencia that he made his name.
He led them to two La Liga titles before leaving for Liverpool, where he also won the FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
After ending a six-year stay at Liverpool he moved on to Inter Milan but was sacked just three months into the 2010-11 season.
He bounced back by leading Chelsea to the Europa League title in the 2012-13 campaign before joining Napoli.
The Spaniard then guided the Italian side to the Coppa Italia in his first season in charge, but the loss to Lazio meant the club finished fifth in Serie A and did not qualify for the Champions League.
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