Valencia to sue Benitez

Valencia have confirmed they are to sue former boss Rafael Benitez after he walked out on the Spanish champions for Liverpool.

Benitez still had a year remaining on his contract when he opted to join the Merseysiders and Valencia, who appointed Claudio Ranieri as his successor, are now seeking compensation.

Manuel Llorente, the club’s general director, said: “Valencia’s administration council have agreed to issue a lawsuit against Rafael Benitez for damages after he failed to honour the one year he had left on his contract.

“Valencia want to defend the rights of the club and this is why this decision has been taken.”

Benitez is thought to be surprised by Valencia’s actions, believing his achievements at the Mestalla – he also led the club to the UEFA Cup last season and the Primera Liga title in 2002 – would grant him an unrestricted exit.

However, he did have a distinctly uneasy relationship with the Valencia directors and this latest move is reported to have triggered Benitez into issuing a counter claim for unpaid bonuses and salary with the Spanish soccer federation’s legal committee.

However, Benitez’s agent admitted that his client is still hoping the matter can be resolved outside of court.

Manuel Garcia Quilon said: “Rafael Benitez is aware of the claim made by Valencia.

“He is very calm about it. He’s hoping that this matter will be resolved in an amicable way.”