Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he has been left "devastated" by Chelsea's decision to sack him earlier this week.
On Wednesday morning, the Premier League club announced that they had parted company with the German on the back of an inconsistent start to the new campaign.
Although Chelsea have accumulated 10 points from six matches in England's top flight, a 1-0 defeat away to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League triggered the club's decision.
However, it has been widely reported that co-owner Todd Boehly had made the decision to dismiss Tuchel some time ago, despite allowing the 49-year-old to spend the most money on new players in a single transfer window in the club's history.
In the five days since his exit from Stamford Bridge, there has been no comment from Tuchel, but he took the decision to make a rare social media post on Sunday evening.
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Writing on Twitter, Tuchel said: "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."
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As well as leaving West London with three pieces of silverware to his name, Tuchel recorded a total of 60 wins and 16 defeats in 100 matches in charge.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain boss is now expected to take some time away from the dugout before accepting a new role elsewhere.
Chelsea moved swiftly to appointment his replacement with Graham Potter having left Brighton & Hove Albion to pen a five-year contract.
The Englishman's first task is to get Chelsea up and running in the Champions League with a home fixture against Red Bull Salzburg to be played on Wednesday evening.
Darren Plant
