Source: Daily_Mail
Rafa Benitez leaves Liverpool after six years in charge - Spaniard accepts £4m pay-off
Liverpool have begun their search for a new manager after Rafa Benitez walked out with a £4million pay-off.[LNB]The Spaniard has accepted severance pay to end six years in charge of the Merseyside giants.[LNB] Is that the way to Milan? Rafa Benitez has left Liverpool[LNB]Benitez said: 'It is very sad for me to announce that I will nolonger be manager of Liverpool FC. I would like to thank all of thestaff and players for their efforts.[LNB]'I'll always keep in my heart the good times I've had here, thestrong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the lovefrom Liverpool.[LNB]'I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager.[LNB]'Thank you so much once more and always remember: You'll never walk alone.'[LNB] Thanks for the memories: Messages have already been left at Anfield[LNB][LNB]Benitez will now be a strong favourite to replace Jose Mourinho as manager of Inter Milan.[LNB]A club statement read: 'Liverpool FC today confirmed that Rafael Benitez is to leave the club by mutual consent.[LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Has Benitez left with fond memories - or just bad times? Rafa Benitez is on the way out of Liverpool after Anfield chiefs set the wheels in motion for his departure after a torrid season. Benitez delivered the Champions League trophy in his first full season in charge but failed to push on to make them title contenders. How will you remember the Spaniard's reign? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK 'Mr Benitez relinquishes his position as team manager after sixyears and the board of directors would like to place on record theirgrateful thanks for his services and wish him all the best in hisfuture career.[LNB]'The board has now asked managing director Christian Purslow, withthe assistance of club ambassador Kenny Dalglish, to begin a formalsearch to identify and assess potential candidates for the managerialposition.[LNB]'No timescale has been placed on the process and Liverpool FC will make no further statement until a new manager is appointed.'[LNB]Chairman Martin Broughton said: 'Rafa will forever be part ofLiverpool folklore after bringing home the Champions League followingthe epic final in Istanbul but after a disappointing season bothparties felt a fresh start would be best for all concerned.'[LNB] Finest hour: Benitez and captain Steven Gerrard with the European Cup in 2005[LNB]Among those being tipped to replace Benitez at Anfield are Fulhammanager Roy Hodgson and former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes.[LNB]Benitez arrived as Liverpool boss from Valencia in 2004, and famously won the Champions League in his first season.[LNB]He also won the FA Cup in 2006, but they haven't won anything since and struggledbadly last term.[LNB]Liverpool could only finish seventh in the Premier League, and werealso knocked out in the group stages of the Champions League.[LNB] Too reliant: Liverpool have often struggled under Benitez when star striker Fernando Torres has been injured[LNB] Rafa Benitez is out: Spaniard to quit Liverpool with a £4m pay-offLiverpool search for new boss: The contenders to replace Rafael Benitez Inter Milan want Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano to follow Rafa Benitez to the San SiroLIVERPOOL FC
