Rafael Benitez: 'I could stay in football until the age of 70'

By Jonny Whitfield, Reporter | 04 February 2018

Benitez not considering leaving football

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez says that he is not thinking about retiring from football, adding that he could stay in management until the age of 70.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has said that he is not thinking about retiring from football, adding that he could stay in management until the age of 70.

The Magpies manager, who began coaching in 1995 with a succession of Spanish clubs, moved to Liverpool in 2004 where he spent six years. Benitez also managed Real Madrid, Chelsea and Napoli before opting for his current role with Newcastle in 2016.

The North-East club take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, and Benitez told Sky Sports News that he is aiming to match 70-year-old Roy Hodgson's career in management.

"At the moment, I have to say yes, obviously, because I like the passion of football, I like my job," the Spaniard said when asked if he could continue in management. "You have managers doing the job for years because of the energy that we have, the passion and the desire for winning that we have.

"With the desire for winning I have, I cannot see a normal life for myself. My wife and my daughters, but especially my wife, say, 'Hello, haven't you had enough, stay here'. But at the same time, when you are at home and you are moving plates and glasses around the kitchen in 4-4-2, they say, 'Go'.

"The main thing is to have health. If you are healthy, you can continue and I am fine, touch wood. I'm fine. Normally I don't drink and I don't smoke, so that's it, I'm fine."

Newcastle have the chance to move three points clear of the relegation zone with a victory over Palace.