'There were offers' - Former Everton and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez hints at managerial return

Rafa Benitez has revealed he has turned down job offers since being sacked by Everton last January, and, following speculation linking with Nottingham Forest, has admitted he is only interested in working in Europe despite a previous stint in China.

The former Liverpool boss was linked with a return to the Premier League with the East Midlands club earlier this week, with Steve Cooper under pressure following their start to the season, with the Tricky Trees sitting bottom of the table after eight games following their heavy 4-0 derby defeat to Leicester City on Monday night.

Having been out of work since being dismissed by the Blues earlier this year, Benitez has admitted he is itching to return to management. And while a potential role as a national team manager does interest him in the future, for now the Spaniard has his eyes set on a return to European club football.

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Of course I would like to be back on the pitch when great international football is being played,” he told Kicker . “I love my job, i.e. developing the players, measuring myself against others and above all: winning. I know how to do it.

“There were actually such offers (from China), but I turned them down because I now prefer to work in Europe. And because money is not the most important thing, but success with the team. If that fits, I'll take over another club in Europe.

“Yes, of course (I would like to be a national coach one day). But first I want to be on the pitch every week and pass on my experience. But it can get interesting at some point.”

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