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Former Liverpool man reveals all Anfield exit: I did not plan to leave
MICHAEL BEALE has lifted the lid on his decision to leave Liverpool for Sao Paulo.
Michael Beale left Liverpool for Sao Paulo
Beale spent four-and-a-half years at Liverpool as an Under-23s coach, overseeing their youngsters' development to the first team.
But the 36-year-old decided to leave Anfield last December after receiving an offer to become Sao Paulo's assistant manager.
The former Chelsea coach insists he was not actively looking to leave Liverpool but admits he could not turn down the opportunity in Brazil.
Michael Beale Liverpool youngsters' development to the first team
He told Sky Sports: "This job came out of the blue. I'd spent 10 years at Chelsea, working through the ages, and then I had four-and-a-half years at Liverpool.
"I wasn't looking to leave. But I'm not at the top of the mountain, I'm still trying to climb it.
"So when I saw the facilities at Sao Paulo, the stadium and heard what Rogerio [Ceni, Sao Paulo manager] wanted me to do, I thought I'd regret not taking the challenge.
"He's an icon at the club. He played for Sao Paulo for 24 years, making over 1,200 appearances and scoring over 130 goals.
"It's like Steven Gerrard getting the Liverpool job or Ryan Giggs taking over at Manchester United.
"I loved the Liverpool experience but maybe I'd come to the end of the cycle there. It was time to challenge myself."