It’s the game of the festive period as London neighbours Arsenal and Chelsea do battle at the Emirates – Mon 20:00 SS1

Inter have confirmed that they have parted company with manager Rafael Benitez just six months after appointing the Spaniard.

An agreement has been reached between the Serie A side and the Spaniard to terminate his contract with immediate effect after just six months in charge.

A club statement 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.”

The decision comes in the wake of Benitez asking for backing from the board to buy players following the Serie A side’s Club World Cup win over TP Mazembe last Saturday.

Even though Inter won the Club World Cup by beating the Congolese team, it did not leave Benitez in enough of a position or power to survive his outburst after the match.

“There are three possibilities for the club,” said Benitez. “One, 100% support for the coach and buy four or five players to build a stronger team with competition among the players to be able to carry on winning matches and trophies.

“Two, carry on like this without a project, without planning, and go ahead with one person to blame, for the whole season.

“The third,” he added, “is to speak to my agent to reach an agreement if there is not this support. Simple.”

Inter president Massimo Moratti was unimpressed by Benitez’s comments and said they were “were not suitable for the situation” before adding it was “not the moment to ask for reinforcements”.

The Spaniard took over at the San Siro from Jose Mourinho in June.

Mourinho, who left for Real Madrid, led Inter to the Serie A title, the Italian Cup and the Champions League glory last season and left his successor with a hard act to follow.

It’s the game of the festive period as London neighbours Arsenal and Chelsea do battle at the Emirates – Mon 20:00 SS1

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