Statements issued by Chelsea and Jose Mourinho in the wake of the manager's departure...
Mourinho:
"I am very proud of my work in Chelsea Football Club and I think my decision in May 2004 to come to England was an excellent one.
"It was a beautiful and rich period of my career. I want to thank all Chelsea FC supporters for what I believe is a never ending love story.
"I wish great success to the club, a club that will be forever connected to me for some historic moments.
"I wish the players happiness in football and in their family life.
"Finally on my wife's and childrens' behalf we thank the great professionalism of their school teachers and the beauty of so many friends."
Chelsea:
"The Chelsea FC plc board and everyone at the club has appreciated your patience and understanding during what has been a difficult time. It is only right that we explain the reasons behind José Mourinho leaving Chelsea and also recognise the immense contribution he has made to the club and to English football.
"We announced that Chelsea and José Mourinho had agreed to part company by mutual consent. The key phrase here is that there was mutual agreement. José did not resign and he was not sacked.
"What is clear, though, is we had all reached a point where the relationship between the club and José had broken down. This was despite genuine attempts over several months by all parties to resolve certain differences.
"The reason the decision has been taken is that we believed the breakdown started to impact on the performance of the team and recent results supported this view.
"We did not want this to continue or affect the club further. Chelsea's long-term football objectives and ambitions remain unchanged and the appointment of Avram Grant and Steve Clarke is aimed at continuing to achieve those goals.
"We also must pay tribute to the great job José did for Chelsea. He has been the most successful manager the club has known and he rightly deserves that place in our history.
"José has been instrumental in putting Chelsea where it is today, among the leading clubs in European and world football."