Benitez quits Valencia

Rafael Benitez has quit Valencia after refusing to sign a contract extension.

Valencia coach Rafael Benitez has left the Spanish champions.

He refused the offer to extend his contract, which is due to expire in summer 2005, by two years.

A club spokesman confirmed that Benitez had left and a press conference has been called for 12.30pm local time (11.30am Irish time).

Benitez has led ‘Los Che’ to two Primera Liga titles in the past three years and this year’s UEFA Cup.

“I can confirm that Rafael Benitez will not continue at Valencia after the club and the coach agreed to part ways,” the spokesman said.

Liverpool is widely expected to be his next destination.