New Inter Milan boss Rafael Benitez admits it was hard for him to leave Liverpool but insists he had to do it.

Benitez parted company with the Reds by mutual consent at the beginning of the month after six years at Anfield, with the Spaniard paying the price for a disappointing season.

The Champions League-winning coach claims it was a wrench to leave Liverpool but knows it was obvious his time on Merseyside had come to an end.

"It was difficult to leave Liverpool after six years working there, I had amazing times there," said Benitez as he was presented to the press. "Also my daughter is seven, she lived most of her life there.

"It's not easy but things changed so I needed to move and I had the perfect opportunity to come to Inter.

"I hope it will be perfect for me and perfect for Inter."