Rafael Benitez, headcoach of Dalian Yifang Football Club, reacts during the 2019 Chinese Football Association Super League in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, on July 7, 2019. (Photo: Xinhua)

Rafa Benitez has resigned as head coach of Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional just 18 months after taking over at the club, the former Read Madrid head coach announced on his website on Saturday.

Benitez cited concerns over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for his departure from the club he joined in July 2019 on a lucrative contract following the conclusion of his stint with English Premier League side Newcastle United.

"Unfortunately, like so many things in the last year, COVID-19 has changed our lives and our projects," Benitez wrote on his website.

"From today, both my coaching staff and I will sadly no longer be coaching the Dalian Professional FC.

"It has been an incredible experience and for this I would like to thank all my staff, coaches, medical and club staff as well as our players; their commitment to us in the first place, their support during the time we were there, and their effort has been magnificent. The pandemic is still here, for all of us, and supporting our families has been a priority when making this decision."

Benitez took over from two-time AFC Champions League winner Choi Kang-hee at the helm of the club in July 2019 with the team struggling near the relegation zone and steered them to safety with a ninth place finish.

Dalian then secured a 12th place finish at the end of the 2020 campaign, which saw the league played in a new format due to the impact on the schedule caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

"Behind us, in China, and especially in Dalian, we are leaving many friends and good memories in a great city with very knowledgeable fans," said Benitez.

"We have tried to learn and understand a new culture and also to transmit a more professional, more European vision of football with a new methodology.

"I'm convinced we have left a structure and a methodology that will allow the project to go ahead successfully.

"I say goodbye sadly under these circumstances, but at the same time I am convinced that the future will be bright for Dalian Pro FC."