(Reuters) - Factbox on former Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez who joined Italian and European champions Inter Milan on Thursday. * Born in Madrid, April 16, 1960. COACHING CAREER * After a knee injury forced him into premature retirement ending a modest playing career, Benitez began coaching in the Real Madrid youth section. * From 1993 to 1995 he coached Real Madrid B while they were in the Spanish second division. Had disappointing spells at Valladolid and second division Osasuna. * Benitez guided second division Extremadura to promotion to the Primera Liga in his first season at the helm 1997/98. Left when they were relegated after a season in the top flight. * 2000/01 - Joined second division Tenerife and steered them to promotion but left at end of season to take charge at Valencia. * 2001/02 - He led Valencia to their first league title in 31 years in his first season in charge. The club won La Liga again in 2004 finishing five points ahead of Barcelona. They beat Olympique Marseille 2-0 in the UEFA Cup final to win their first domestic and European double. * 2004, June 1 - Benitez rescinds contract with Valencia amid reports that he is poised to join England's Liverpool. LIVERPOOL * 2004, June 16 - Liverpool confirm Benitez appointment at Anfield. * 2004/05 - His first season ends in triumph with the unforgettable Champions League final victory over AC Milan in Istanbul when his side overturned a 3-0 halftime deficit to draw 3-3 with AC Milan then win the final on penalties. He was named UEFA Manager of the Year. * 2005-06 - Liverpool start the season winning the Supercup curtain-raiser in Monaco and end it drawing 3-3 with West Ham United in the FA Cup final before winning a second trophy on penalties in successive seasons. * 2006-07 - Liverpool reach the Champions League final again in Athens, but end up losing to AC Milan. Benitez blames owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks for lack of investment and support in the club. * 2007-08 - Publicly slates Hicks and Gillett again who sound out Juergen Klinsmann to replace them. The storm passes but Liverpool again fail in their quest to win a much-coveted Premier League title, finishing fourth. * 2008-09 - Enjoys better season as Liverpool finish second in the Premier League and have some notable successes beating Manchester United 4-1 in the league and Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield in the Champions League. But the pressure shows when he delivers "Rafa's rant" against Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. * 2009-10 - A poor season ends with Liverpool seventh in the Premier League, and missing out on a Champions League place for 2010-11. They also fail to negotiate the group stage of the Champions League and suffer early exits in both the FA Cup and League Cup. A chance of redemption in the Europa League ends when they are beaten in the semi-final by Atletico Madrid. * 2010, June 3 - Benitez leaves Liverpool by mutual consent after a rollercoaster six years at the Anfield club. INTER MILAN * 2010, June 10 - Joins Inter Milan on a two-year-deal just one week after leaving Liverpool with a reported 3 million pound ($4.64 million) payoff. (Editing by Justin Palmer; To query or comment on this story email [email protected])
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