Roberto Di Matteo has this evening released a statement via the League Managers' Association following his sacking as manager of Chelsea.

The Italian was axed following last night's 3-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League.

Di Matteo leaves Chelsea third in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Manchester City, but struggling to qualify for the last 16 in Europe.

In the statement, the 42-year-old, who spent six years as a player at Stamford Bridge, revealed that his passion for the club remains unwavering.

"Lifting Chelsea's first Champions League trophy, in Munich, was the best achievement in club history and without doubt the highlight of my career to date, both as a player and manager," read a statement. "It is a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life.

"I have a deep and unreserved passion for Chelsea Football Club and I would like to sincerely thank all of the staff, my players and of course the Chelsea fans, for their tremendous and unconditioned support in the intense time I have been the manager at the Bridge.

"I wish all of them every success for the rest of the season and beyond."

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been installed as manager until the end of the season.