Rafa Benitez has taken a step closer to joining Real Madrid

Next stop Madrid?

Rafa Benitez has that confirmed he'll be leaving Napoli at the end of this season, opening the path for him to take the vacant manager's position at Real Madrid. The Spaniard held a press conference on Thursday, alongside club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, where he confirmed his exit, but didn't say where he would be managing next season. “I would like to thank the President, the club and all the fans because after two years I’m finishing my experience here with Napoli,” Benitez said. “On Sunday we are facing a very important match and I want to conclude my two years here with a victory. “It’s always sad to leave a job where the people have treated you well from the start and Napoli was like this to me.” The former Liverpool manager's odds to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu are as low as 1/50, and it appears all that remains is for the club and Benitez to officially confirm the move. Benitez will likely spend two years as Real Madrid manager, after which time he'll be sacked for either failing to finish ahead of a team containing Lionel Messi, or only winning one Champions League. Ryan Babel, who played under Benitez at Liverpool, clearly does not think Rafa is the right man for the Real Madrid job. https://twitter.com/Ryanbabel/status/603900030534189056 Jesus Ryan, don't beat around the bush, tell us what you really think. H/T Football Italia.