Inter announce Benitez’s replacement

(26-12-2010) Reigning European champions Inter Milan have appointed Leonardo as their new manager. The former Brazilian star replaces Rafa Benitez who was sacked earlier this week. The 41-year-old, who recently managed Inter’s fierce rivals AC Milan, will take up the reins on 29 December and his contract runs until June 2012. "We believe Leonardo has the class and experience of a champion and his mentality will get the team together to get results," Inter said on their website. Leonardo will take charge of a side seventh on the Serie A table, 13 points adrift of leaders AC Milan. Benitez was sacked after six months in the job after asking the Inter board to back him in the transfer market.