Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is keen to remain focussed with life on Tyneside, despite reports in Spain linking him to a future role with the Spanish national team and a possible return to former club Liverpool.
In an interview with Spanish publication Marca, the 57-year-old Madrid native spoke of a desire to manage his national side in the future, but states that he is 'happy' with his current club.
Benitez states: “[And] I always say the same with respect: for the moment I don’t consider it. I am happy here and I have years of contract.
"It depends on how my career evolves, we will go on one side or the other. If we do it here very well, we can finish the work in these parts; and if not, obviously, the selection can be a footnote."
Having managed clubs in Spain, Italy and England previously during his now 14-year managerial career, the Spaniard picked up the reins on Tyneside in March 2016, but failed to prevent to the club's relegation the same season.
With doubts over whether Benitez would remain with his new club in the Championship, the former Real Madrid and Inter boss then guided the Magpies straight back to the promised land of the Premier League, with Newcastle now having settled back into life in the English top flight.
Benitez is perhaps more known for his six-year spell at Anfield, where he led Liverpool to the Champions League 2005, including that remarkable night in Istanbul, where the Reds came from three goals down to AC Milan to lift the European Cup, winning on penalties.
Merseyside still clearly holds a special place in his heart for the Spaniard, but despite the lure of a return to his former employers, Benitez is still concentrating on his current job.
On the subject of Liverpool he comments, “You have to leave it there, and see what happens in a few years. [And] the same in relation to Liverpool. It depends. Maybe I’m still here and I’m not moving anymore."
