Chelsea Boss Mourinho In Shock Exit

Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho has parted company with the club in a shock departure.

The move came after a crisis meeting was held at the London club following a string of mediocre performances from the former Premiership champions, culminating in Tuesday night's disappointing draw against Norwegian team Rosenborg in the Champions League.

A statement released on Chelsea's web site on Thursday morning said: "Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have agreed to part company today by mutual consent."

However, speculation remains rife over whether Mourinho resigned or was sacked by club owner, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and chief executive Peter Kenyon.

Mourinho had signed a new deal, worth a reported £5 million, at Stamford Bridge in May 2005, and had three years left on his contract.

However, his relationship with Abramovich, was widely reported to have become increasingly strained in recent months.

Mourinho was reported to be unhappy with Abramovich's alleged interference in the running of the team, including the signing of Ukraine international Andriy Shevchenko - a close friend of Abramovich - for more than £30 million and German international Michael Ballack.

Meanwhile, Abramovich was reported to be frustrated by the disappointing start to the new season and the style of football the players were playing.

Additionally, there have also been rumours of a bust-up between Mourinho and team captain John Terry this week.

According to reports, Mourinho texted several senior Chelsea players, including Terry, midfielder Frank Lampard and striker Didier Drogba, last night to inform them of his departure and wish them luck in their future careers.

Mourinho - who famously called himself 'The Special One' - more than justified his name during his time with the Blues.

He came to the London club in 2004 after winning the Champions League with Porto, and went on to guide Chelsea to become Premiership champions in 2005 and 2006.

They lost the title to Manchester United last season, but still won the FA Cup and Carling Cup - a trophy they also won in 2005.

Mourinho was also voted Premiership manager of the year in 2005 and 2006.

Mourinho was in charge of 185 games with Chelsea, out of which the club won 124, drew 40 and lost 21.

However, he failed to repeat his success in the Champions League with the club.

According to reports, Mourinho could receive up to £25 million in compensation from the club. Widely regarded as one of the best managers in Europe, he is unlikely to be short of job offers.

Former Israel coach, Avram Grant, who joined Chelsea from Portsmouth as director of football in the summer, will take over as manager, along with assistant manager Steve Clarke.

A statement released by Chelsea on Thursday afternoon said: "The club is delighted that in Avram we have an experienced man who can come in immediately at this difficult time to help deliver our objectives."

"In Steve, we have a Chelsea man and he will be a crucial part of the management team going forward."

It was also confirmed on Thursday that Mourinho's backroom staff, including assistant managers Baltemar Brito and Rui Faria, head opposition scout Andre Villas and goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro, have also left the club.

(KMcA)