Last Updated: Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:35
Interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez has spoken of his love for Real Madrid, describing his home-town club as his "sweetheart".
Benitez is expected to leave Chelsea this summer and has been tipped to replace Real manager Jose Mourinho, who is also thought to be on his way out of his current post.
In an interview on Radio Nacional de Espana, Benitez spoke about how his success at Liverpool had made life difficult for him at Stamford Bridge and how he was interested in taking over from Vicente Del Bosque as head coach of Spain when the 62-year-old ends his association with La Roja.
Benitez also discussed his love for Los Blancos. Benitez joined his home-town club when he was just 13-years-old and he went on to play for the reserve team before returning to form part of Del Bosque's coaching staff during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Given that Mourinho still has three years left on his deal, Benitez was reluctant to speak too much about Real but he did agree that the club holds a special place in his heart.
"I have a contract (with Chelsea) until the end of the season and I am going to do everything possible for this club to have the best success," Benitez said.
"Real Madrid have a determined manager with a contract and this deserves respect. As a manager, you always have your sweetheart. I have a link with the fans and they have treated me well.
"I arrived at (Real) Madrid when I was 13 years old and I'm from Madrid. But I don't want to get involved in this speculation because my words aren't always interpreted."
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