Inter Milan eyeing sacked Benitez as replacement for 'Special One'

Milan, June 4(ANI): Italian football giants Inter Milan have publicly praised Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, increasing the possibilities of the sacked Spaniard taking over at the San Siro.

Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti is understood to have identified Benitez as his "ideal candidate" and first choice to replace Jose Mourinho following his six million pound pay-off as Liverpool manager.

"We really like Rafa Benitez. He has been in our favour since the Champions League final in Istanbul [in 2005]," The Sun quoted Gabriele Oriali, Inter director, as saying.

Mourinho, who led Inter to an unprecedented treble of Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League, decided to leave the club and join Real Madrid to fulfil his dream of becoming the only coach to win the Champions League with three different clubs.

Benitez's six-year reign at the Anfield was over, when he was sacked following Liverpool's worst Premier League season since 1999.

The decision was taken after Liverpool Chairman Martin Broughton and Managing Director Christian Purslow held talks with Benitez, and came to the conclusion that he had lost the support of senior players at the club. (ANI)