Rafa Benitez: I’m Leaving Chelsea

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•GRITTY: Middlesborough’s Faris Haroun (right) fights for the ball with Chelsea’s Victor Moses during the English FA Cup fifth round match at the Riverside stadium in Middlesborough, northeast England, yesterday. Chelsea won 2-0. AFP PHOTO.

Rafa Benitez snapped last night and launched a blistering attack on Chelsea and their fans.

The Spaniard has endured ceaseless abuse since taking over in November. After guiding the Blues to the FA Cup quarter-finals, Benitez said: “They gave me the title of interim manager which is a massive mistake.

“I will leave at the end of the season. The fans are not helping us. They are damaging the image of the club. They have to support the team instead of wasting time making banners.

“The fans do not create a good atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. They have to realise they are making a big mistake. They are putting pressure on the players. They could be playing Europa League again next season and not the Champions League.”

•GRITTY: Middlesborough’s Faris Haroun (right) fights for the ball with Chelsea’s Victor Moses during the English FA Cup fifth round match at the Riverside stadium in Middlesborough, northeast England, yesterday. Chelsea won 2-0. AFP PHOTO.
•GRITTY: Middlesborough’s Faris Haroun (right) fights for the ball with Chelsea’s Victor Moses during the English FA Cup fifth round match at the Riverside stadium in Middlesborough, northeast England, yesterday. Chelsea won 2-0. AFP PHOTO.

Benitez added: “I am a professional and I will do my job. The manager is the manager, one month, seven months, it does not matter. You are the manager. The people who run the club will know I am trying to do my best.

“I have been in charge of football for 26 years. I have won the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Italian Super Cup, the Spanish League twice. Nine trophies, all the trophies you can win at club level.”

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Rafa’s latest rant came 48 hours after his training-ground row with skipper John Terry.

Meanwhile, Victor Moses has described as great Chelsea’s qualification to the quarterfinal of the FA Cup. The Nigeria international scored Chelsea’s second goal last night and was thrilled by his effort and the overall performance of the team in this fifth round tie.

Chelsea will now face Manchester United in the quarter final and are on course for a fifth cup triumph in seven seasons.

“Great to be in the quarterfinals, great team performance. Always good to get a goal too,” Moses tweeted.

The Nigeria star, who shone like a million stars at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, scored in the 73rd minute after he got a good pass from Eden Hazard. He was replaced by David Luiz two minutes later. Compatriot Mikel Obi was not listed for the match.

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