Zimpapers Logo

LONDON. — “Devastated” Thomas Tuchel has broken his silence following his Chelsea sacking. 

And the German revealed his pain at writing the statement “many years” earlier than he had hoped. 

Tuchel (49) was sacked last Wednesday morning, hours after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League football. 

Tuchel — who has already been replaced by Graham Potter — reportedly pleaded with Blues owner Todd Boehly to give him more time during a brief 10-minute conversation that concluded in him being shown the door. 

The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain manager led Chelsea to Champions League success in his first six months in charge, winning the Club World Cup and reaching two more cup finals during his time in charge. 

Tuchel — who will get a £13 million pay-off just a year after winning the European Cup — said: “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. “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 Sun