Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel earlier this week after his side were beaten by Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League opener - with Graham Potter swiftly appointed to replace him.
The German was dismissed as Blues boss this week, just seven games into the new season. Tuchel guided Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2020, but was axed by new owner Todd Boehly and swiftly replaced by Graham Potter.
Tuchel has now taken to social media for the first time since last Wednesday’s surprising developments and revealed he had hoped to stay at Stamford Bridge for a number of years longer.
This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to write - and it is one which I hoped I would not need to do for many years. I am devastated that my time at Chelsea has come to an end.
“This is a club where I felt at home, both professionally and personally. Thank you so much to all the staff, the players and the supporters for making me feel very welcome from the start.
“The pride and joy I felt at helping the team to win the Champions League and the Club World Cup will stay with me forever. I am honoured to have been a part of this club’s history and the memories of the last 19 months will always have a special place in my heart.”
The decision to sack Tuchel came out of left-field considering speculation that he was to extend his contract came as recently as August.The 49-year-old managed the Premier League giants throughout the tumultuous period which saw them placed under special measures following sanctions placed on former owner Roman Abramovich.