BIRKENHEAD, England -- Former Liverpool under-23s manager Michael Beale has spoken about the difficulty of leaving his post to become assistant manager at Brazilian club Sao Paulo.
Liverpool officially confirmed Beale's departure after Tuesday's Premier League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion at Tranmere's Prenton Park.
Sources told ESPN FC last week that Beale had informed the club he intended to leave and serve as No. 2 to former Brazil goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni.
Speaking to reporters, he held back tears as he said: "It's a really difficult decision.
"One thing I've always wanted to do is learn a second language. I think more English coaches have got to do it. It's always been my dream."
Beale said he had "the best youth development job in England by far" and it had to be "something special" to persuade him to go.
"They're obviously a huge club," he added. "I met the coach when he came over to visit. He came in and spent a day, watched me coach.
"It's a big challenge and opportunity for me. I'm 36, so I'm a young coach. But leaving Liverpool, wow... it's broken my heart."
Beale, who will head to Brazil on Jan. 1, said Liverpool "have always been very, very good to me."
"I have loved my time at Liverpool," he added. "It's been everything I've dreamed of and more.
"I think it's the best youth development job in England so I know what I'm leaving, but sometimes in life an opportunity comes.
"Liverpool have been fantastic throughout the whole thing. They have made it clear that they like me and would like me to stay. It's purely my decision.
"It's special wherever you are, but this club grips you."
Beale became manager of the U21s -- now the U23s as part of a Premier League restructure of youth football -- in 2014, and has overseen the graduation of many young players to the first team.