Rafael Benitez was confirmed as the new manager of Real Madrid on Wednesday, and has confessed his admiration for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling ahead of his first transfer window with the Spanish giants.
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Rafael Benitez confirmed as new Real Madrid manager
Real Madrid set date with Liverpool for £45m Raheem Sterling transfer talks
Benitez was unveiled in a press-conference at the Santiago Bernabeu this afternoon, and a statement on the club’s official website confirmed that the Spaniard had signed a three-year deal.
During his unveiling, the 55-year-old was asked for his thoughts over rumoured Los Blancos target Raheem Sterling.
In quotes from BBC Sport, the former Liverpool boss said, “We admire Raheem, that’s no secret – but he is not one of our players so I can’t really comment on him.”
The England international wants to leave Anfield in the summer, BBC Sport report, but despite the lure of lining up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, the youngster favours a return to London. The 21-year-old grew up in Wembley, and reportedly misses the capital [via the Daily Star].
Nonetheless, recent reports from The Sun suggested that Real value Sterling at £45m, and the La Liga outfit will open talks with the winger when Liverpool travel to Madrid for a friendly between Los Blancos and LFC legends on Sunday June 14.
It must however be questioned – with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Isco to compete with for places – where exactly would Sterling fit in?