Roma confirm departure of manager Rudi Garcia

Roma have announced the departure of manager Rudi Garcia following a two-and-a-half-year spell at the Serie A club.

Over the last few weeks, there have been reports that the Frenchman's time at the club was coming to an end following just one win in seven league games.

It has now been confirmed by Roma, and president Jim Pallotta told the club's official website: "On behalf of myself and everyone at AS Roma, I'd like to thank Rudi Garcia for all of his hard work since joining the club.

"We've all enjoyed some great moments during his time at Roma but we believe that this is the right time for a change."

Garcia started well when he took over at Roma in 2013, guiding the team to 10 wins in their first 10 league fixtures, and helped them finish second in the league twice consecutively.

The coach's assistants Frederic Bompard and Claude Fichaux have also been sacked.