Rafa Benitez signs historic deal to become Everton’s new manager.

Rafa Benitez has signed a historic deal by becoming the first man in modern history to manage at both Liverpool and Everton since William Edward Barclay in the 1890s.

Everton confirmed the appointment of Rafa Benitez as their new manager on Wednesday night.

The Spaniard, 61, has had numerous meetings with Everton owner, Farhad Moshiri, before the deal was finalized for him to become Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.

Benitez will arrive at the club’s Finch Farm training base to commence work with the Everton squad on July 5.

First-team assistant manager Duncan Ferguson and goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly will stay on at the club with the remainder of Benitez’s backroom staff to be confirmed.

Moshiri said: ‘Rafa impressed us greatly with his knowledge and experience but, above all, the passion and hunger he showed to join our Club.

‘We are appointing Rafa because we believe he will bring success to our Club and to Evertonians. To put it simply – we need to be competing at the top-end of the league and to be winning trophies.

‘Rafa is a proven winner with huge experience in coaching internationally and we have secured the best man to achieve that for us.’

Benitez said: ‘I am delighted to be joining Everton. Throughout this process I have been greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the senior representatives at the Club and their desire to bring success to this historic Club.

‘I believe this is a Club that is going places. I’m determined to play a big part in helping this great Club achieve its ambitions.’

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: ‘Rafa Benitez is joining Everton Football Club at an exciting time. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish him well in achieving success for our football club – success our supporters long for and deserve.’