Chelsea in turmoil as Mourinho quits
Friday, 21 September 2007
LONDON, Sept 20 (AFP): Jose Mourinho's three-year reign at Chelsea came to an abrupt end Thursday as the Portuguese manager's fraught relationship with the club's Russian owner, Roman Abramovich, finally reached breaking point.
An announcement that will send shockwaves through English and European football came in the early hours of Thursday morning with Chelsea claiming that Mourinho had left "by mutual consent."
A terse statement posted on the London club's website stated: "Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have agreed to part company today (Thursday) by mutual consent."
Mourinho had reportedly informed Frank Lampard and other senior players that he was on his way out Wednesday evening and late-night talks at Stamford Bridge concluded with confirmation of his departure.
If he wants to go straight into another job, Mourinho will not be short of offers.
The Portuguese manager, who made his reputation by guiding FC Porto to Champions League glory in 2004, has transformed the English football landscape since taking over at Stamford Bridge in June 2004, winning two Premier League titles in his first two years in charge, the FA Cup last season and the League Cup in 2005 and 2007.
An announcement that will send shockwaves through English and European football came in the early hours of Thursday morning with Chelsea claiming that Mourinho had left "by mutual consent."
A terse statement posted on the London club's website stated: "Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have agreed to part company today (Thursday) by mutual consent."
Mourinho had reportedly informed Frank Lampard and other senior players that he was on his way out Wednesday evening and late-night talks at Stamford Bridge concluded with confirmation of his departure.
If he wants to go straight into another job, Mourinho will not be short of offers.
The Portuguese manager, who made his reputation by guiding FC Porto to Champions League glory in 2004, has transformed the English football landscape since taking over at Stamford Bridge in June 2004, winning two Premier League titles in his first two years in charge, the FA Cup last season and the League Cup in 2005 and 2007.