Claude Makelele has confirmed he has left his post at Chelsea after a mutual agreement to move on from Stamford Bridge.
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The former France international, who made over 200 appearances for the club during one of their most successful periods, returned to west London in 2019 taking up a role as technical mentor and youth coach.
The 50-year-old has worked closely with Chelsea’s academy stars but he becomes the latest figure at the club to move on in what has been a period of significant change since the club’s takeover last summer.
In a brief statement released on Twitter, Makelele confirmed his exit.
‘After four fulfilling years, Chelsea and I decided, by mutual consent, that it is time for me to seek a fresh, new challenge.
‘I do want to thank the fans for their affection. Blue will always be the colour of my heart, I will share more once I have set my mind on the next chapter.’
Makelele’s exit follows that of coach Bruno Saltor, who stepped up as caretaker boss for one game last season against Liverpool before Frank Lampard’s return as interim manager.
The Spaniard arrived as part of Graham Potter’s staff but in explaining his departure, Mauricio Pochettino explained last week he ‘did not belong’ to his backroom team.
‘It was a decision that was made between the club and Bruno,’ Pochettino said last week.
‘He did not belong to my coaching staff, and so it is the best decision for him and the club.’
Chelsea secured a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, setting up a meeting with Blackburn Rovers in the round of 16.
The Blues make the short journey to Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Monday night, having taken just five points from their opening six games so far this season.
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