Rafa Benitez Breaks Silence: ‘Ronaldo Was Never the Reason I Left Madrid’

Benitez Finally Addresses the Ronaldo Rumors That Followed Him for Years

In the high-stakes world of elite football management, few exits have sparked as much speculation as Rafa Benitez’s short-lived tenure at Real Madrid. The veteran Spanish coach has finally set the record straight about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, addressing persistent rumors that have followed him since his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu in 2016.

Speaking candidly during an interview with MBC Masr 2, Benitez was emphatic about one thing: CR7 was not the reason he left Los Blancos. “It’s not true that I left Real Madrid because of Cristiano Ronaldo,” the manager stated firmly. “There was never any problem between us. He’s a great player and a phenomenon.”

The Real Story Behind the Bernabéu Exit

Benitez’s tenure at Real Madrid lasted just seven months, with the decorated manager getting the axe in January 2016 after replacing Carlo Ancelotti the previous summer. For years, football pundits speculated that friction with the club’s Portuguese superstar contributed to his downfall.

Instead, Benitez revealed the truth was far more complicated, pointing to internal club politics rather than player relationships. While he didn’t elaborate on the specifics, his comments suggest the well-known complex power dynamics at Madrid were the real culprit behind his premature departure.

Real Madrid insiders have long acknowledged the club’s unique pressure cooker environment, where managers must navigate relationships with influential board members as carefully as they manage star players.

High Praise for Liverpool’s Egyptian King

During the same interview, Benitez shifted focus to another football superstar who has dominated headlines in recent years – Mohamed Salah. Having managed Liverpool between 2004 and 2010, Benitez maintains a special connection with the Merseyside club and didn’t hold back in his praise for their Egyptian forward.

“He makes the difference in every game,” Benitez said, highlighting Salah’s remarkable consistency. “When a player takes care of himself and continues to perform at this level, age doesn’t matter.”

The Spaniard then made a bold declaration about Salah’s credentials for football’s most prestigious individual honor: “Of course, Salah deserves to win the Ballon d’Or. Why not?”

A Manager’s Perspective on Footballing Greatness

Benitez’s comments offer rare insight from a manager who has worked with some of the sport’s most elite talents. His career has taken him from Valencia to Liverpool, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle, and beyond – giving him a unique perspective on what truly constitutes footballing greatness.

His endorsement of Salah for the Ballon d’Or comes at a time when the Liverpool forward continues to defy expectations with his prolific goal-scoring record and match-winning performances. Despite turning 32 this year, Salah shows no signs of slowing down – something Benitez clearly appreciates.

The Spanish tactician’s willingness to publicly praise both Ronaldo and Salah demonstrates his appreciation for elite talent, regardless of any club rivalries or past associations.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for Benitez?

While Benitez has cleared the air about his Madrid departure, the veteran manager’s future remains a topic of speculation. After parting ways with Celta Vigo in 2023, the 64-year-old has yet to take on a new managerial challenge.

His extensive experience at the highest level means he’ll likely remain a sought-after figure for clubs looking to bring in a proven winner. With a resume that includes a Champions League triumph with Liverpool and domestic titles in multiple countries, Benitez’s insights on players like Ronaldo and Salah carry significant weight in the football world.

What’s certain is that Benitez has finally put to rest one of the most persistent rumors about his managerial career – proving once again that in football, the full story often takes years to emerge.