Mourinho departs Chelsea by mutual consent

Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent," the club said in a statement on their official website, confirming earlier media reports. "All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013."

Mourinho led Chelsea to a Premier League and League Cup double last term, but they are currently one point above the relegation zone after nine defeats in 16 games. The 52-year-old is reported to have been informed of his fate in a meeting with club officials on Thursday afternoon, following two days of talks at boardroom level. He was previously sacked by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in 2007, after a richly successful three-year spell in which he won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and the FA Cup