Rafael Benitez has revealed that managing director Christian Purslow was responsible for the handling of his departure.

The 50-year-old admits it was tough to leave the Merseyside club, but has hit out at Purslow, who arrived at Liverpool last June, for prompting his exit.

"It was really sad," he told Radio City.

"I was on holiday so it was a surprise that everything was going on in this way, but at the end of the day it has to be like this because Christian Purslow is now in charge and he decided to do it in this way. That is it.

"It is really sad but you have to move forwards. I said to my family that we cannot stay talking too much or complain too much, we have to move forwards.

"The people of Liverpool are fighters and I was fighting from the beginning until the end. Now I have to do the same and I have to be thinking about the future.

"I was really pleased here, the fans were amazing, but I can't stand around complaining. I have to move forward and do my best for my new club."