Departing U23 coach Michael Beale is grateful for his time with Liverpool.

Beale is set to join Brazilian powerhouse Sao Paulo.

He joined the Reds in September 2012 as youth development lead coach for the U15 and U16 age groups before being promoted to U21 (and then U23) boss in August 2014.

Reflecting on his time with the Reds, he told liverpoolfc.com: “I just want to thank everybody. We have had 18 or 19 first-team debuts in the last two years [from the Academy] and it has been the time of my life to be honest.

"What an amazing four years with Liverpool. The people of the city are the kindest, most warm-hearted people I've have ever known.

“The job has been a dream come true and the club is everything I hoped it would be.

“I have been treated so well by all the staff, players and supporters. For this, all I can say is a huge thank you.

“My two children were born and raised in this wonderful city and are both big Liverpool fans. We will be keeping Liverpool as our home."