(CNN) -- Liverpool have confirmed that manager Rafael Benitez is leaving the club after six years in charge at Anfield.
The Spaniard signed a five-year contract with the club in March 2009 but this season he missed out on qualification for the European Champions League.
Speculation had been rife that his position was under threat after Liverpool's run without a trophy extended to four years, with Inter Milan and Juventus rumored to be interested.
But on Thursday the club confirmed he was leaving in a statement on their official Web site: "Liverpool FC today confirmed that Rafael Benitez is to leave the club by mutual consent.
