Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has revealed Rafa Benitez turned down the chance to move to Real Madrid last summer.
Real were keen on luring Benitez back to Spain before they appointed Fabio Capello as their new manager last July.
Parry claims Benitez rejected the opportunity of joining the Spanish giants as he was committed to carrying out his job at Anfield.
"In the summer Rafa rejected the chance to move to Real, which was a big, big temptation for him," said Parry.
"It was all pretty serious. Real is his club, he was there as a player and as a coach too and it would always be an opportunity he would have to consider.
"But he enjoys being at Liverpool and he believed in the direction we are taking and he is passionate about that too."