For Rafa Benítez, SSC Napoli head coach it was not at all easy to say goodbye to the Club and the city in the press conference today alongside the Chairman, Aurelio De Laurentis, at the Club's training ground in Castel Volturno. The Spanish coach announced his departure from SSC Napoli after two years and was grateful to all connected to the Neapolitan institution for their support and affection during this time. He stated: "I have experienced two splendid years in Napoli. My time here ends on Sunday and I hope to close with a very important victory in our last game of the season against Lazio".

"It is always sad to say goodbye, for me this time in Naples has been an important and beautiful experience I will never forget. I will always carry this city and its fans in my heart", recognised the head coach of the "azzurro" team, who then added that: "I am grateful to Aurelio De Laurentis and the Club for this great opportunity, I want to say thank you for all the help throughout these two seasons".

Rafa Benítez leaves an SSC Napoli in constant growth and with an international dimension, considered at present as one of the top Italian teams. The Spanish coach did not want to leave without speaking of their journey with the Italian squad and stated: "as always in football we have had positive moments and others not so positive, but we have won two titles and we got to the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League and also the Cup. It is the highest point that Napoli has reached in 26 years. I am convinced that with the work of De Laurentis and all sections of the Club this team will achieve even more prestigious success very soon".

"I have felt at home in Naples, the fans have supported me from the first moment and everyone has been very affectionate even on a sad day like today I feel them by my side" declared the Spanish coach adding: "I am leaving mainly because of my family, I have been away from them for a long time, I have spoken about this many times with the Chairman. The main thing now is to focus on Sunday's game against Lazio because a win will lead Napoli to a Champions League spot once again".

When asked if he feels any disappointment with some episodes Benítez replied: "Football is made of triumphs and defeats. It is true that we were just one step away from the UEFA Europa League final and we weren't able to reach it because of some unfavourable incidents and chances at goal we missed. On the other hand we have achieved important objectives, winning does not only mean getting victories, you can also win with growth, both at an individual and squad level. We have obtained the record number of points and goals in the history of Napoli. And we can still beat the record of goals scored this Sunday whilst aiming to beat Lazio in the most important game of the season".

To finish, Rafa Benítez did not want to say goodbye without dedicating a few words to the Neapolitan fans after all the affection he has received during his second Italian adventure: "I must say I feel sad because this city has been fantastic with me. I am grateful to all of you, I will always love Naples, its beauty and its people. I am leaving and taking some beautiful memories with me. I am convinced that this team and this Club will achieve all the victories and titles they deserve because Naples is a very special city", concluded Benítez.