'Everyone thought I left Real Madrid because of Cristiano Ronaldo - here's real reason'

Rafael Benitez has shed light on his departure from Real Madrid, insisting it was due to "internal issues" at the club rather than a fallout with Cristiano Ronaldo. Benitez's tenure as the head of Los Blancos came to an abrupt halt in January 2016. His stint at the helm lasted a mere seven months, amid speculation over player disgruntlements and his inability to win over fans with his tactical approach.

Subsequent rumours hinted at Ronaldo having a hand in the ex-Liverpool manager's sacking. Nonetheless, the former Champions League-winning coach has now refuted suggestions of any feud with the Portuguese superstar. "It's not true that I left Real Madrid because of Cristiano Ronaldo," said Benitez.

"There was never any problem between us; he's a great player. Extraordinary. I left due to internal issues at the club, but nothing to do with Ronaldo."

Taking the reins at Madrid in June 2015, Benitez managed to hold the team in third position in La Liga, only four points adrift of the front-running Atlético Madrid when he was shown the door. Despite his league standing, the Madrid powers-that-be decided Benitez's time was up.

Booing from frustrated fans toward Benitez prior to a tie against Real Sociedad certainly didn't help the manager's case as rumours flew of a discord between the ex-Valencia boss and Ronaldo. However, appearing on Spanish radio channel Cadena SER in February of this year, Benitez clarified that their interactions were strictly about tactics.

"The only comment I made to Ronaldo, as I knew him from United, is that we analysed how he took free-kicks," he said. "It's my only conversation with him. Everything else is a lie."

Ronaldo echoed Benitez's sentiment in a 2015 interview with Football Espana, revealing that he had a good rapport with the former Chelsea manager. "I feel good with [Benitez]," he said. "I think he is doing a good job and should be allowed to continue like this."

However, Benitez sparked further tension when he expressed admiration for ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, declaring him the standout player he's coached. On the Stick to Football podcast, sponsored by Sky Bet, Benitez said: "Steven [Gerrard] is the best player I have ever coached. In Madrid, I couldn't say that, but now I can. It was very clear he had everything."

Throughout his managerial career, which has seen him secure titles like the European Cup, La Liga, Europa League, FA Cup, Coppa Italia, and the Championship, Benitez has experienced varying degrees of success.

Following his tenure at Liverpool, he took the reins at Inter Milan, later returning to the UK to manage Chelsea, then moving on to Napoli before his stint in Madrid.

Benitez then took charge of Newcastle, bringing the Magpies back to the Premier League. He left two years later, and after stints in China, and a controversial period at Liverpool's bitter rivals, Everton. He now finds himself without a job after leaving Celta Vigo in March.

"I have received offers from clubs in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia," Benitez said on his future. "I might return to coaching soon, perhaps even in China."