By agreeing to take on Newcastle United, Rafael Benitez has swapped glamor for grit and Ronaldo for a relegation battle.
The Spaniard has gone from from the top of La Liga with Real Madrid to the foot of the English Premier League in little over two months.
After six days of speculation the club sacked former England coach Steve McClaren Friday after a desperate run of results has left it second from bottom.
Now it has turned to the Spaniard, a former coach of Inter, Valencia and Chelsea, who won the European Champions League with Liverpool.
“I have the pleasure to confirm I have committed to a legendary English club, with the massive challenge of remaining part of the Premier League,” Benitez said in a statement on the club’s website.
“It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the club and the fans.
“All of us must push together in the same direction and with the same target in mind. This is the reason why I’m going to ask for your total support to successfully complete this task.
“Personally, it means my return to the Premier League, closer to my home and my family. I can’t be happier. C’mon Toon Army! The club and I need your total involvement!”
Newcastle confirmed Benitez as its new manager, and three new backroom staff, on a three-year deal. He took over at Real Madrid in June last year but was sacked in early January.
The news came just hours after McClaren was relieved of his duties.
The 54-year-old has overseen a disappointing campaign in which Newcastle has won just six matches all season. It sits one point from safety.
Crucially, Benitez has been appointed manager, not head coach as McClaren was, which indicates he will have more of a say in the running of the club and especially transfers.
Newcastle’s Managing Director Lee Charnley said: “In Rafa we have, without doubt, secured the services of one of Europe’s top managers.
“He has managed some of the most successful teams at the very highest level of the game and we are proud to now have him as our manager.
“Our sole focus now is to give our full support to Rafa, his coaching team and the players in order to secure our status in the Premier League.”
More to follow…