Benitez itching to start Napoli job

The 53-year-old coach is keen to begin his new role as soon as possible while Marek Hamsik says he wants to stay at the Stadio San Paolo

Newly-appointed Napoli boss Rafa Benitez says he cannot wait to start working at the club.

The former Inter coach was named as Walter Mazzarri's successor on Monday.

Speaking via the club's official Twitter, he said: "I have been overwhelmed by the messages I have received from all the fans. I cannot wait to begin work at Napoli."

The Spaniard will be boosted by the news that playmaker Marek Hamsik says he wants to continue at the Partenopei.

Hamsik told Fifa.com: I was 19 when I arrived here. Nobody knew who I was but Napoli didn't hesitate to give me a chance.

"For six seasons Napoli and I have developed together, and we can still climb even higher. I'm very comfortable here and I'd like to continue to grow with the club."

However, Benitez is set to face a tougher task in retaining the services of Edinson Cavani beyond this summer, though the striker's agent recently confirmed the Uruguay international would be happy to remain at Stadio San Paolo should a move abroad fail to materialise.

Napoli finished second in Serie A this season and have qualified for the Champions League.