Rafa Benitez is free to start looking for a new job after agreeing a severance deal with Liverpool. The Spaniard has ended his six-year spell in charge at Anfield after a disappointing domestic season that saw the Reds finish in seventh place. With Inter Milan looking for a new coach after the departure of Jose Mourinho, Benitez is believed to have settled for a six million pound compensation package in order to cut all ties with the club. Benitez told the club’s website: “It is very sad for me to announce that I will no longer be manager of Liverpool FC. I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts. I’ll always keep in my heart the good times I’ve had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool. I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager. Thank you so much once more and always remember: You’ll never walk alone.” Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton said: “Rafa will forever be part of Liverpool folklore after bringing home the Champions League following the epic final in Istanbul but after a disappointing season both parties felt a fresh start would be best for all concerned.” Liverpool will now begin the search for a successor but say no timescale has been put on an appointment. Former Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, now an academy ambassador at the club, will assist managing director Christian Purslow to identify candidates. With owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett looking to sell Liverpool, Dalglish himself has been suggested as a possible cheap, short-term option. However, the likes of Roy Hodgson, Martin O’Neill and Guus Hiddink have already been heavily touted.