Rafa Benitez: Newcastle's new manager cries 'C'mon Toon Army!' and nobody can quite believe it

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager's first message to his new club's supporters included a surreal line

Former Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez (Getty Images)

Rafael Benitez has been confirmed as Newcastle United's new manager, having signed a three-year contract with the club.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss arrives at St. James' Park with the immediate objective of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

The Magpies are currently second-bottom in the league table and one point behind their local rivals Sunderland, who sit outside the drop zone in 17th place.

Upon the announcement of Benitez's appointment, the club released a statement which raised eyebrows among supporters, journalists and casual observers alike.

"It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the club and the fans," the 55-year-old Spaniard is quoted as saying in the release.

"All of us must push together in the same direction and with the same target in mind. This is the reason why I'm going to ask for your total support to successfully complete this task.

"Personally, it means my return to the Premier League, closer to my home and my family. I can't be happier.

"C'mon Toon Army! The club and I need your total involvement!"

The last part, Benitez's exclamation of 'C'mon Toon Army!', has been met with confusion and derision in equal measure, with barely anyone being able to believe that he actually said it.

Social media's reaction

So, did those words actually leave the lips of the typically stoic, dispassionate Spaniard?

The Independent has approached Newcastle United for comment.