FERNANDO TORRES believes it was “best for everyone” that Liverpool parted company with manager Rafael Benitez.

Benitez’s six-year reign at Anfield was ended earlier this month after a miserable campaign saw them finish seventh in the Premier League.

The Spanish boss was swiftly snapped up by Inter Milan and Liverpool are still mulling over their options before appointing his successor.

Torres, who Benitez brought to Anfield from Atletico Madrid for £20million in 2007, wasn’t surprised by his departure.

“At this time I believe it was best for everyone,” Torres said.

“He won everything and last year they demanded too much from him.”

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson remains the favourite to succeed Benitez and whoever takes over will have to convince Torres to stay at Liverpool.

The striker, who will line up against Portugal in tonight’s last 16 clash in Cape Town, has refused to discuss his future until after the World Cup finals.

However, he has previously warned that the squad needs major investment if the club are going to challenge for honours next season.

Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City are all chasing his signature but Liverpool have insisted he is not for sale at any price.

“They will tell us the situation after the World Cup,” Torres added. “At the moment we don’t have a coach.

“All I am focused on is beating Portugal. The rest, we’ll see.”

The 26-year-old admits he has failed to shine in the World Cup so far after missing most of Spain’s build-up due to knee surgery in April.