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.

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

In an explosive interview, Benayoun said: “Benitez tried to break me.

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.

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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.

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 had the privilege to play for three years for the best club in the world.”

There’s clearly a strong affinity still between Benayoun and Liverpool.

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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