by Ciggy » Fri Dec 16, 2005 7:53 am
BENITEZ MOURNS SAD PASSING OF FATHER
Paul Rogers in Tokyo 16 December 2005
Rafael Benitez today spoke for the first time about the sad death of his father Francisco earlier this week and vowed to throw himself into his work to help him get through this difficult time.
Benitez heard of his father's death in the build-up to Thursday's World Club Championship semi-final against Deportivo Saprissa, but was unable to return in time for the funeral.
He now plans to travel to Spain to see his mother and the rest of his family upon Liverpool's return from Japan.
Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I was in Madrid a couple of times because my father has been ill for the last few months.
"I was talking to my mother, sister and brother when my father died. We tried to go there but in Spain you do not have the time. They couldn't delay the funeral.
"I couldn't go so I decided to stay here. I will go and see my mother next week so for me it is perhaps better to concentrate on working. You can be very upset but if you are working sometimes you can just think about your work. My mother is there though and I will try to be with her as soon as possible.
"The only thing I can do now is try to do my best for my team and think about my father."
Everyone at Liverpoolfc.tv and the club as a whole send their deepest condolences to Rafael, his mother and the entire Benitez family at this extremely sad time.
Oh what news to wake up to, feel like crying for Rafa being out in Japan and cant go to his fathers funeral.
Gutted hope the players dedicate the trophey to his father on sunday now and play out their skin.
What a great man we have at our club utter gentleman.
RIP Senior Benitez
YNWA.
There is no-one anywhere in the world at any stage who is any bigger or any better than this football club.
Kenny Dalglish 1/2/2011
REST IN PEACE PHIL, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.