Liverpool have confirmed the departure of under-23s coach Michael Beale.

In a statement the Reds stated he would “leave with immediate effect” and “the process to appoint his replacement is underway”.

It emerged last week that Beale had informed Liverpool he was stepping down to accept the role of assistant manager to former Brazil keeper Rogerio Ceni at Sao Paulo.

Liverpool Academy director Alex Inglethorpe said: “Over the last four years I have seen Michael help coach a variety of players across differing age groups.

“He is a talented coach who has great potential to go on and make his mark within the senior game.

Wow – What an amazing four and a half years with Liverpool. It has been the best time of my life. 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 are born and raised in this wonderful city and are both big Liverpool fans. We will be keeping Liverpool as our "home". Thanks again to everyone that has given me messages of support. See you after! —————————————— Uma mensagem pros fãs do São Paulo. Obrigado pelas mensagens e grande apoio do SPFC. Janeiro de 2017, serei um de vocês e estaremos lutando juntos pro São Paulo FC. Mandem pro Rogerio e pros jogadores o vosso apoio e trabalharemos a 110% para fazer vocês felizes. Obrigado

A photo posted by Michael Beale (@michaelbeale4980) on Dec 6, 2016 at 1:14pm PST

“I believe that Michael has been integral to the development of many of our players who have progressed towards the first team and I would like to wish him and his family every success for the future.”

Beale joined the Reds from Chelsea four years ago, coaching the under-15s and under-16s before stepping up to the under-21s in August 2014.

Tributes paid to Beale after LFC departure

A very popular man with players, coaches and the press.

We was unlucky not to win tonight .i want to say thank you to @MichaelBeale for everything you have done for us . And you will be missed ?⚽️

— Cameron Brannagan (@Cameron246bran) December 6, 2016

Thanks for everything @MichaelBeale Top coach and a Top person! Good luck in Brazil??

— Corey Whelan (@coreywhelan1997) December 6, 2016

Good luck pal… it was a pleasure to work along side you, let's grab a ? next week before you fly off to Brazil ?? #LFC https://t.co/R227137HWW

— Rob Jones (@RobjonesLFC2) December 6, 2016

Thank you for your help during all this years. I really wish you all the best in brazil! We will miss you here! https://t.co/3DssPjYHTm

— Pedro Chirivella (@pedrochb68) December 6, 2016

Thank you @MichaelBeale, would like to wish you the best of luck in Brazil! ?? https://t.co/RHwUUmqvlq

— Joe Maguire (@MaguireJoe) December 6, 2016

One of the best coaches I've ever had the pleasure of working with. All the best @MichaelBeale and thank you for everything! ??

— Ryan McLaughlin (@RyanMcL2) December 6, 2016

Good luck in Brazil Mick, wish you all the best, thanks for everything ? @MichaelBeale

— Trent Arnold (@trentaa98) December 6, 2016

Tearful end to Michael Beale's reign as #LFC U23s coach tonight. He will be missed. Played a big part in the great work at the Academy.

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) December 6, 2016

Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

via GIPHY