This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
Former Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has insisted there is 'no chance' he will fill the managerial vacancies at either Arsenal or Everton, but has refused to completely rule out a return to the Premier League.
Benitez, who is currently in charge of Chinese side Dalian Yifang, made the comments on Monday, despite being linked with both clubs.
Arsenal is still looking for a permanent successor to Unai Emery, while Everton sacked Marco Silva last week.
Benitez, who has also been linked with West Ham, said he was happy in the Chinese Super League and had no intention of leaving Dalian Yifang.
“I can be very clear -- there is no chance I will come back now because I’m really happy,” he said on Sky Sports.
Benitez has been in charge of Dalian Yifang since leaving Newcastle United at the end of last season, and has seen his side finish ninth in the Chinese Super League.
Despite finishing lowly, Benitez said he was pleased with the progress his team had made and was happy to be at the club.
“I’m really pleased (Dalian Yifang) trust me. We have a lot of staff working on a big, big project. We want to leave a legacy and it’s a challenge for me. I’m quite happy at the moment.
“In the future, I would like to come back to the Premier League because I like the league.”
