Reigning English Premier league champions have sacked their manager Jose Mourinho following a string of losses that left the club just one point above relegation zone after playing 16 games.
The 52-year-old Portuguese had been in his second spell at the club, after he returned to the London club in June 2013.
The club issued a statement in which it highlighted Mourinho’s departure was on the basis of mutual consent.
It said: “Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent.
“All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.
“His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history.
“But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.
“The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea.
“His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea finished eight points clear last season and won the League Cup, but have lost nine of their 16 league games so far and are 16th in the table.
Mourinho’s final match was Monday’s 2-1 defeat at leaders Leicester City.
Pep Guardiola, Guus Hiddink, Juande Ramos and Brendan Rodgers have all been touted as possible successors as Blues owner Roman Abramovich begins another managerial search.
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