The former Liverpool trainer has joined the Toffees on a three-year deal and will begin his work from 5 July when the squad return to USM Finch Farm for pre-season training.
After an interesting shortlists of Roberto Martinez, Christophe Galtier of Lille and Eddie Howe, Benitez has finally been named as the perfect replacement for departed Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid.
The Club’s Majority Shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, said:
"Rafa impressed us greatly with his knowledge and experience but, above all, the passion and hunger he showed to join our Club.
“We are appointing Rafa because we believe he will bring success to our Club and to Evertonians. To put it simply - we need to be competing at the top-end of the league and to be winning trophies. Rafa is a proven winner with huge experience in coaching internationally and we have secured the best man to achieve that for us.”
Benitez, after signing his new deal expressed how delighted he is to join the Merseyside club.
“I am delighted to be joining Everton. Throughout this process I have been greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the senior representatives at the Club and their desire to bring success to this historic Club.
“I believe this is a Club that is going places. I’m determined to play a big part in helping this great Club achieve its ambitions.”
The 61-year-old previously spent six years in charge at Everton’s Merseyside rivals Liverpool, winning the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup with the Reds but irked the Toffees supporters in 2007 when he described the Goodison Park outfit as a ‘small club’.
Benitez will be in charge for Everton's curtain-raiser for 2021/2022 season when they host Ralph Hasenhuttl's side on August 14.
