Rafa Benitez's (pictured) departure from Inter Milan has been confirmed by the European champions.

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

A statement on the club's official website 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."

Benitez was handed the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho after the former Chelsea chief secured an unprecedented treble of the UEFA Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia titles.