Gary Neville and Ian Wright crack up as Rafael Benitez makes an unexpected entrance for an interview

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Rafa Benitez's grand entrance on the latest episode of The Overlap left presenters Gary Neville and Ian Wright in stitches.

The former LiverpoolNewcastle and Everton The boss joined the panel to discuss his successful time at Anfield, including that famous night in Istanbul in 2005.

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Rafa Benitez made The Overlap panel burst out laughingCredit: The Overlay

The Spaniard, who is currently out of work, quickly set the tone for what was always going to be a fascinating insight into his footballing career.

Entering the studio, Benitez greeted the panel consisting of Neville, Wright, Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher with a 'hello' before adding: “I'm not the waiter!”

The witty comment had Neville and Wright bursting into laughter. Arsenal The legend replied: “That's a good one, Rafa.”

During his time as Premier League manager, Benitez was often the target of vicious attacks from opposing fans who chanted: “You're nothing but a fat Spanish waiter.”

The 64-year-old had never reacted to the chant before and brilliantly turned it into a fun icebreaker.

Benitez shared some of his most cherished moments as Liverpool manager, a job he accepted in 2004 after leaving La Liga side Valencia.

He spent six years at Anfield, including Champions League success in his first season before losing the final to AC Milan two years later.

His only domestic success with the Reds came in the 2006 FA Cup final, when Liverpool beat West Ham on penalties in Cardiff.

Periods in charge of Inter, ChelseaNaples and real Madrid A three-year spell at Newcastle followed that made him a Tyneside favourite.

An ill-fated seven-month stint at Everton preceded roles in China and, more recently, Spain, with Celta Vigo.

Neville particularly liked Benitez's witty comment.

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Neville particularly liked Benitez's witty comment.Credit: The Overlay
Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez lifted the Champions League trophy with Liverpool in 2005

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Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez lifted the Champions League trophy with Liverpool in 2005

But Benitez is best remembered for his time at Anfield and for giving the Reds their fifth European Cup triumph.

Despite his success, Bentiez admits he was unable to build the team he really wanted because they could not compete financially with other Premier League clubs.

“With Tom Hicks and George Gillett, I wanted to sign (Stevan) Jovetić and he cost £16m,” Benitez told The Overlap.

“In my head, I was selling players and I had £34m, but I was told we didn’t have the money. We went to play Fiorentina and lost 2-0, with Jovetic scoring both goals. I said that was the player we wanted to sign, but we didn’t have the money.

“I wanted to sign Aaron Ramsey when he was at Cardiff City and we made him a £1.5m offer but Cardiff were playing in the FA Cup and wanted us to wait but I told them we had to do it, he was 17. When we tried to sign him again Arsene Wenger paid £5m and we couldn’t sign him.

“Gareth Bale, when he was 17 at Southampton, six months after we were watching him, Tottenham paid £8m and we couldn’t compete.”



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