Inter confirm Benitez departure

Inter Milan have confirmed the sacking of Rafael Benitez, just six months after the Spaniard took over at the San Siro.

The move follows Inter’s poor start to the season that sees them lie seventh in the Serie A standings, as well as Benitez’s plea for backing from the board following the club’s Club World Cup triumph over the weekend.

Reports earlier in the week suggested that Benitez had been sacked but Inter President Massimo Moratti refused to confirm the dismissal, instead labelling the situation ‘a mess’.

But an Inter statement on Thursday read: “Inter Milan and Rafael Benitez can announce that they have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement for the early termination of his contract.”

“Inter thank Rafael Benitez for his work in leading his team to success in the Italian Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.”

It is believed that Benitez will receive a two-and-a-half million pound severance deal from the reigning Italian and European champions.

Former AC Milan manager Leonardo has been touted as the favourite to succeed Benitez, although Moratti has denied speaking to the Brazilian about the prospect.