Yossi Benayoun has spoke about the reasons behind his decision to leave Liverpool in 2010, revealing he never wanted to depart but felt he had no alternative.

The former midfielder exited Liverpool 15 years ago this summer, joining Chelsea in an ill-fated spell in London that involved a serious injury and two loan moves.

He controversially criticised manager Rafael Benitez at the time of his exit from Liverpool, claiming the Spaniard was the ‘reason I left’.

In an explosive interview with the News of the World, Benayoun said: “Benitez tried to break me.

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The one-time West Ham United star also said Benitez told him ahead of the final match of the 2009/10 that he wouldn't be in the matchday squad and to find a new club.

Benayoun left Liverpool that summer, as did Benitez, who ended his six years on Merseyside when the side slumped to a seventh-place finish.

But a decade and a half on from his Liverpool exit, the emotions are still clearly raw for Benayoun, who was back at Anfield on Saturday, playing against Chelsea in a charity match.

Asked about his ill-fated departure from the club, the 44-year-old said: “I think I said this in the press, I made an interview because although Rafa brought me and he helped me a lot here for three years, but I felt in the end that I didn't get the credit that I deserved and I left because I thought Rafa would stay for one year.

“I spoke with him directly and I decided that if he stayed I told him I didn't want to leave.

I never wanted to leave Liverpool, but he told me that he would stay one more year so I had to leave.

For me, they always ask me who is the best player I ever played with and Steve is the most complete player ever.”

On the current team, Benayoun said: “I think it's one of the best teams in Europe
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