Benitez wishes Zidane well

Rafa Benitez was fired after just 25 games

Rafa Benitez has wished his Real Madrid successor Zinedine Zidane well and thanked everyone for their support during his team as coach of the team.

Pressure on Rafa Benitez had intensified following an embarrassing four-nil home defeat in the hands of Barcelona. Fans had also grown frustrated  with what they termed very negative football been played by the team. A 2-2 draw with Gary Neville's Valencia on Sunday proved the last of Benitez's 25 matches in charge at the Spanish giants before he was sacked the next day and replaced by Zidane.

Benitez released a statement on his website on Tuesday that read: "I want everyone at the club from the board of directors, executives, workers and all of the fans to know that it has been an honour and privilege to be in charge at this club.

"As a Madridista from Madrid, steeped in the traditions and values of this institution, which I learned in the old sports city of Castellana, it has been an honour to work for these colours.

"I would especially like to thank everyone at the new sports city and the Santiago Bernabeu who since my first steps through the door have supported me and made my work easier. Thanks to all for helping.

"With all that I have said still in mind, I would like to wish good luck to Zinedine Zidane,my successor, and his staff. To all the players, coaches and staff, I wish all the best and also good luck. 

"With all my respect and thanks... HALA MADRID and NOTHING ELSE."

Rafa Benitez joined Real Madrid after a two-year stint at Napoli but was fired seven months and 25 games later.