Rafael Benitez has been thanked by Chelsea for the work that he carried out during his interim spell in charge of the club.

The Spaniard was placed in temporary charge last November, despite much criticism from Chelsea supporters, who refused to forgive some of the comments that he made about the club during his stint as Liverpool boss.

However, despite the negativity that surrounded his appointment, Benitez guided the Blues to third in the Premier League and success in the Europa League.

He has now agreed to move to Serie A outfit Napoli, but before he starts his new job, Chelsea have wished the 53-year-old the best of luck.

"Rafa was appointed as the club's interim manager last November, and steered us to automatic Champions League qualification thanks to our third-place finish in the Barclays Premier League, while also leading us to the Europa League title in Amsterdam earlier this month," read a statement on the club's official website.

"Also departing to join Napoli are first-team fitness coach Paco De Miguel and Xavi Valero, the first-team opposition analyst.

"Everybody at Chelsea would like to place on record our thanks to Rafa and his staff for their work at the club, and wish them success for the future."

Napoli will be the 10th club that Benitez has managed.