Jose left club 'by mutual consent'

In an "open letter" to fans, the club said it recognised the "immense contribution" Mourinho had made to Chelsea and English football.

But it added that he had left his job "by mutual consent" as the "breakdown" was affecting the team's results.

The letter will inevitably be interpreted as confirming that Mourinho's difficult relationship with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich had finally come to a head.

It said: "Early this morning we announced that Chelsea and Jose Mourinho had agreed to part company by mutual consent. The key phrase here is that there was mutual agreement. Jose 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 Jose had broken down. This was despite genuine attempts over several months by all parties to resolve certain differences."

Despite his sudden departure, the 44-year-old could reportedly seek up to £25 million from the club as he left with three years to go on his contract.

Mourinho, who led Chelsea to every major domestic trophy and two Barclays Premier League titles, said his final farewells to players and staff this morning at Chelsea's training ground in Surrey.

Meanwhile, Chelsea fans gathered outside the club's south west London ground to protest against the departure of Mourinho.

Waving Chelsea flags and banners, and wearing T-shirts showing his face they sang "bring back the special one" and chanted Mourinho's name.