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Jonathan White

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has ruled out a return to the English Premier League and said he is happy in China.
Benitez, who took over Dalian Yifang in the Chinese Super League after leaving Newcastle United in July, made his comments in an interview with his former player Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
“I must be very clear, there is no chance I would come back. I am very happy,” the Spaniard said of his immediate plans.
The 59-year-old has been linked with a number of managerial vacancies in England this season, including the Arsenal job and the interview came as part of Sky Sports’ live broadcast of Arsenal’s win over West Ham United.


On Monday, he reiterated his priorities with the Dalian side, where he talked of “leaving a legacy” in his opening press conference.
“They trust me. They have a lot of staff working in a big project. It’s a massive company. They want to create a legacy. We are working with players from six years old to the first team.

Exclusive: Premier League clubs wishing to bring Rafa Benitez back from China would have to pay a world-record buyout for a manager in excess of £20m https://t.co/kOi9aBOvcY #whufc #afc #nufc
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) December 3, 2019

However, the former Real Madrid manager did not rule out a return to the English top flight in the future.
“Obviously in the future, I would like to return to the Premier League.”
The Daily Mail reported that Benitez might have little choice but to see out his contract in China as his buyout clause is US$26.3 million.




Dalian Yifang finished ninth in the 16-team Chinese Super League this season.


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English Premier League

Arsenal target Rafa Benitez rules out Premier League return in interview with Jamie Carragher

Rafael Benitez oversees his Dalian Yifang side in the Chinese Super League. Photo: Xinhua

Rafa Benitez takes swipe at Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley as he reflects on his first week in China

Rafael Benitez is photographed in the Dalian Yifang dugout. Photo: Xinhua

(190708) -- BEIJING, July 8, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Rafael Benitez (R), head coach of Dalian Yifang Football Club, reacts during the 2019 Chinese Football Association Super League in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, July 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

(190707) -- DALIAN, July 7, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Rafael Benitez (L), headcoach of Dalian Yifang Football Club reacts during the 2019 Chinese Football Association Super League in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, July 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

(190707) -- DALIAN, July 7, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Rafael Benitez, headcoach of Dalian Yifang Football Club reacts during the 2019 Chinese Football Association Super League in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, July 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Chinese Super League: Rafa Benitez off to winning start as Arnautovic and El Shaarawy head to Shanghai

Dalian Yifang head coach Rafael Benitez during the Chinese Super League win over Henan Jianye. Photo: Xinhua

Rafa Benitez’s Chinese adventure is not about the money but everything to do with his love for the game

Rafa Benitez is not coming to China for a quick payday. Photo: Action Images/Ed Sykes

Chelsea's interim manager Rafa Benitez reacts during his team's English Premier League soccer match against West Ham United at Upton Park, London December 1, 2012. REUTERS/Andrew Winning (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR "LIVE" SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS

Rafa Benitez is introduced to Chinese media at Dalian. Photo: Twitter

Sport

Football

China


Dalian Yifang manager tells his former Liverpool player there is ‘no chance’ he returns to England
Uefa Champions League winner reiterates plans to build a legacy with the Chinese Super League club amid Gunners interest



Dalian Yifang manager tells his former Liverpool player there is ‘no chance’ he returns to England.


Chinese Super League