Manager Rafa Benitez on Thursday confirmed he will leave Italian football club S.S.C. Napoli at the end of the Serie A season in a decision that can see him being recruited as the next manager of Real Madrid.
Benitez is set to quit after Sunday's game against Lazio, knowing a win can get Napoli a spot in Champions League qualifying.
According to a statement released by Napoli on Wednesday, Benitez was not supposed to answer questions pertaining to other clubs, meaning he could not confirm whether or not he would succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.
"My time in Naples has ended," Benitez was quoted as saying by goal.com.
"I had a two-year contract with Napoli which ends after the match against Lazio. I would like to thank the president, the club and all the fans. On Sunday, we face a very important match and I want to finish my two years here with a victory.
"It's always sad to leave a job where the people have treated you well from the start and Napoli was like this to me," he said.
The 55-year-old joined Napoli in 2013, leading them to the Coppa Italia and a third-place finish in his first season at the helm.
