How Twitter Reacted to Rafa Benitez's Appointment at Real Madrid

All of Rafa Benitez's Christmases came at once on Wednesday when he was officially unveiled as Real Madrid's new manager, according to the team's official Twitter account. Madrid awarded a three-year contract to the Spaniard, who was born in the city and spent his formative years with the club, much to the disbelief of many fans on Twitter:

"

https://t.co/ibmu2xW0uY When I heard #RealMadrid where gonna sign Rafa Benitez.

— Kevin (@lopezkevin240) June 2, 2015"

The press conference and unveiling at the Bernabeu was an emotional affair for a man who both played for and coached Madrid Castilla. The European Cup-winning coach simply couldn't hold back the water works:

The nostalgia of Benitez's return also helped to unearth many photos from the days when he used to have an athletic build and a head full of hair:

"

Rafa Benítez with 17 years already under his belt at Madrid pic.twitter.com/zdhtVh1XKv

— RMadridista (@01RMadridista) June 3, 2015"

The appointment, however, has been widely ridiculed, thanks in part to a belief that his career statistics do not match up to the lofty ambitions at the Casa Blanca:

"

Rafa Benitez takes Napoli from 2nd to 5th after spending £110m in two years and lands the Real Madrid job... pic.twitter.com/xjO1fnzlWE

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) June 3, 2015"

"

Rafa Benitez's last 10 league finishes: 5th 3rd 3rd 4th 2nd 7th 7th* (fired) 3rd* (interim) 3rd 5th #HolaMadrid pic.twitter.com/L62SjcCt5t

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) June 3, 2015"

"

Not impressive at all !! pic.twitter.com/18kLd0UkJ3

— Footy Jokes (@Footy_Jokes) June 3, 2015"

It seems that a healthy majority of fans on social media found Madrid's choice to be quite baffling:

Ryan Babel, who famously fell out with Benitez while at Liverpool, did not mix his words when giving his opinion on the appointment:

"

Benitez on his way to Real? He will make Ronaldo a great defender...

— Ryan Babel (@Ryanbabel) May 28, 2015"

Predictably, Benitez's new job made for plenty of amusing jokes and memes at his expense:

"

Florentino Pérez hace oficial el fichaje de Rafa Benítez. pic.twitter.com/yotVglJstp

— Periódico Warca (@PeriodicoWarca) June 3, 2015"

"

Rafa Benitez after getting the Madrid Job pic.twitter.com/f4jm6n3UHB

— Cockney Ash (@CFCASH_) June 3, 2015"

"

Ryan Babel clearly thinks Rafa Benitez is a poor choice for manager! This is brilliant! http://t.co/CSxBWW4MmF pic.twitter.com/hwAq2bYcsS

— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) May 30, 2015"

"

This is the most accurate thing I have ever seen. Madrid fans will understand cause no ones wants Rafa Benitez❌ pic.twitter.com/KqEIyAPVIR

— PM (@ShmeeOnYourKnee) May 25, 2015"

A popular Spanish-themed restaurant chain tried to board the banter train, too, but it didn't quite manage to leave the station:

Since Madrid awarded Benitez a three-year contract, it led many to believe he could be in line for a nice compensation package and some time off before 2018:

"

I'm not sure which is funnier, signing Benitez or thinking he will stay for 3 years hahahahaha https://t.co/TdlRTZcP5h

— EgyptianGirlsSay (@BanatMasr) June 3, 2015"

In the interest of balance, it is worth noting that there were a few tweets supporting the move for Benitez—even if that support seemed a little lacklustre:

"

Rafa Benitez is going to make the most of Real Madrid. Most underrated coach in the world.

— Olisa Maduegbuna (@OlisaOdacity) June 3, 2015"

One fan, meanwhile, vowed to resort to some pretty drastic measures. No pressure, Raf: 

"

I swear to god if we lose our first game with Rafa Benitez, I'll support Atletico Madrid.

— Luna (@HoIyCris) June 3, 2015"