The Spaniard takes charge of his fourth Premier League cub, having previously been in charge of Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United, leaving the Magpies in June 2019.

Benitez told Everton’s official website: “Having called Merseyside my home for the last 17 years, I have a very clear understanding of what makes this club so special.

“This club is always striving to be the best. Simply competing in the top league is not enough.

“That ambition and determination to succeed is something I share. I never want to just compete – at every club I have managed I have fought to win.”

Benitez’s greatest achievement came in 2005, when his Liverpool team came from 3 goals down to win the Champions League against AC Milan, he also led Chelsea to UEFA Europa League glory.

Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri said in a statement: “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’s first challenge will be a home fixture against Southampton on 14 August.

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