‘A special place in my heart’ – Thomas Tuchel says he is ‘devastated’ at Chelsea sacking

Thomas Tuchel says he is “devastated” to have been sacked as Chelsea head coach.

Tuchel has taken to social media to express his disappointment at being sacked and also thanked Chelsea and its fans for their support.

“This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to write,” he wrote. “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.”

“For some, I recognise that the change that comes so suddenly in football can be hard to accept,” he wrote.

“I may not be able to persuade you all to forgive my departure – but I would at least like to take the chance to say thank you.”

He added: “I hope that you will understand that at this stage of my career, I felt I had to grasp a new opportunity.”