Mauricio Pochettino shows true colours as he breaks silence on Chelsea exit

Mauricio Pochettino has finally spoken out on his shock departure from Chelsea. The ex-Spurs head waved goodbye to the Blues last month amidst a flurry of behind-the-scenes wranglings.

This came, despite Chelsea ending the Premier League season on a high, clinching sixth spot in the Premier League and securing a Conference League berth. The club moved swiftly, bringing in Leicester's master tactician Enzo Maresca as the successor.

On Sunday, Pochettino will step foot inside Stamford Bridge once again, a potentially tense homecoming during Soccer Aid.

And ahead of the weekend, he posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: "To the owners, the sporting directors we appreciate the opportunity to return to the Premier League at this great club Chelsea and for the support you gave us, as well as from all the players, staff and fans - thank you.

"We understand how important this football club is to you all and that is why we work so hard to give you a Chelsea you can be proud of.

"I am so pleased with the level the team reached and the way the players and staff have all worked so hard to increase their standards, they deserve great credit and I hope you felt that too in how they performed on the pitch.

"We know there have been ups and downs but we always believed in this team and that we would arrive at a consistent level. I believe the experiences of this season and big improvement we saw, I hope will only make the players stronger for the future.

"It has been a pleasure to work with them all and we appreciate the strong bonds we created in this last year together. "I want to wish all of you the best for next season and beyond. It is great that we have the chance to return to Stamford Bridge so soon with Soccer Aid this weekend and I hope that we get to see some of you there too."