As you can read in the official website of Valencia CF , www.valenciacf.com, Rafa Benítez, coach of Valencia CF 2001-2 to 2003-4, who achieved 2 league titles and a UEFA Cup with the Valencia club, will be the illustrious guest in the Directors Box at the Mestalla for Wednesday's encounter between Valencia CF and Barcelona, 21 September, kick off 10pm. In the match preliminaries, Benitez will receive the Golden Crest of the Club from the Valencia principal director, Manuel Llorente, in the Directors Box in recognition of his distinguished time at Valencia CF.

In addition, this Thursday, 22 September at 11:30am the Madrid coach will visit the exhibition "Science and Sport at Valencia CF" in the Museum Prince Felipe in the City of Arts and Science of Valencia.

Rafa Benítez’s statement after the official announcement from Valencia FC:

"At the outset, the only thing I have to say about this news is that I am honoured, very grateful and very proud. I believe that it goes without saying that Valencia, Valencia FC and their fans have been very important in my life and my family’s lives and we will always have them in our hearts.

The recent expansion of the club serves as an example of how we contributed in some way, and we did it out of fondness and in memory of the club and their followers.

The fact that Valencia FC, through their President Manuel Llorente, as their public face and representative of the fans, are presenting me with this award, gives me huge delight and pride.

It will be a pleasure to go back to Valencia and the Mestalla to receive it".