Callejon hails the Rafa effect

By foxsports
Published

Jose Callejon says Rafa Benitez's influence was crucial in persuading him to leave Real Madrid and join Napoli.

The striker left the Spanish capital after two years at the Bernabeu earlier this week, having made 87 appearances for Real.

Benitez has added the 26-year-old to a squad that finished second to Juventus in Serie A last season, but one that could be shorn of Edinson Cavani if reports of the Uruguayan's departure come true.

Napoli paid around 10m Euros for Callejon, who had spent the early part of his career with Real before joining Espanyol.

"Leaving Real Madrid is never easy, but for me Napoli is a really important step," Callejon said on Napoli's official club website.

"Benitez's call convinced me. This is a big club with international level, and I think we could show it in the Champions League.

"Napoli were sensational in Serie A, and made the Champions League, and this pushed me coming here. Then, Benitez's call has crowned it."