“It has been a huge privilege and an honour to manage Chelsea, a club that has been a big part of my life for so long.

"Firstly, I would like to thank the fans for the incredible support that I have received over the last 18 months. I hope they know what that means to me.

"When I took on this role I understood the challenges that lay ahead in a difficult time for the football club.

"I am proud of the achievements that we made, and I am proud of the academy players that have made their step into the first team and performed so well. They are the future of the club.

"I am disappointed not to have had the time this season to take the club forward and bring it to the next level.

"I want to thank Mr Abramovich, the board, players, my coaching team and everyone at the club for their hard work and dedication, especially in these unprecedented and challenging times.

"I wish the team and the club every success for the future.”

LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan added: “Despite the extraordinary challenges of an unprecedented pandemic over the past 12 months resulting in a compressed fixture schedule, Frank has proven himself to be a very talented Premier League manager. He has laid the foundations for the future, whilst also protecting his players and staff’s wellbeing on and off the pitch. His legacy at Chelsea has been enhanced even further and he has a long and exciting future in the game ahead of him.”