Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of Rafael Benitez as their new coach after the Spaniard penned a three-year deal at the Bernabeu.

Benitez has been the hot favourite to take charge since the departure of Carlo Ancelotti last week and the Spanish giants have now gone public with the appointment.

A short statement on Real’s official website read: “Real Madrid CF will present Rafa Benitez as the new first-team coach for the next three seasons today, Wednesday 3 June.

“The ceremony will take place at 1pm CEST [12pm BST] in the presidential box of the Santiago Bernabeu. Following his unveiling, Rafa Benitez will hold a press conference in the press room.”

Benitez was born in Madrid and began his coaching career with Real B, before taking charge of Valencia, where he had a successful three-year spell.

The 55-year-old took charge of Liverpool in 2004, where he spent six years. Spells at Inter Milan, Chelsea and Napoli followed but now he without doubt faces the toughest test of his career with Real.

Benitez won the Champions League with Liverpool and he will be expected to mount a push for Europe’s number one competition along with the La Liga title.

Benitez guided Napoli to fifth in the Serie A table last season but he will be expected to finish top in La Liga ahead of current champions Barcelona.