Liverpool parts company with assistant manager

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee has left the English Premier League club by mutual consent.

Lee, who made nearly 300 appearances for Liverpool as a midfielder, returned to the northwest team in 2008 to become the No. 2 to Spanish coach Rafael Benitez.

He retained his position in January, despite the arrival of former Chelsea assistant coach Steve Clarke following the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager.

Lee says ''I'm proud of the contribution I've been able to make since (2008). I want to wish Kenny, the players and the supporters all the best going forward.''

Lee, who also played for England, won three league titles and two European Cups in his time as a Liverpool player.