Club president Joao Vale e Azevedo told journalists the departure of Heynckes, in charge at the Stadium of Light since the start of the 1999 season, was by mutual agreement.

The club's next coach was widely tipped to be former trainer Antonio 'Toni' Oliveira, but they surprisingly turned to assistant coach Jose Mourinho.

"I confirm that an agreement has been reached with Heynckes to end his contract by mutual agreement," Vale e Azevedo said.

According to media reports, Vale e Azevedo offered Oliveira the job but it was Mourinho who took on the mantle.

Heynckes, who coached Real Madrid to the European Cup in 1998 and took over at Benfica from Graeme Souness, was booed by fans on Saturday after a string of indifferent performances.

Fans' ire

"I can't stand this any more. If you want, I'll leave tomorrow," he was reported as saying.

Heynckes also prompted the fans' ire by placing club icon Joao Pinto on the transfer list at the end of last season.