Thomas Tuchel has admitted that he is ‘devastated’ at his departure from Chelsea.
Chelsea announced that the club had parted company with Tuchel in a statement last week, after a 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb continued an underwhelming start to the new season.
The Blues have since announced Graham Potter as new head coach, with the former Brighton boss set to take charge of Chelsea for the first time against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Tuchel’s reign lasted 20 months, in which he won the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup. The German has now released a statement following his departure and admits he is devastated at the premature ending to his time at Stamford Bridge.
“This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to write – and it is one which I hoped I would not need to do for many years,” he wrote on Twitter. “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.”
