Cole Palmer has sent a classy tribute to Mauricio Pochettino following confirmation of his departure from Chelsea.
It was confirmed on Tuesday evening that the Blues had amicably parted ways with the former Tottenham manager just a year into a two-year contract.
While the Argentine is believed to have left Stamford Bridge on good terms, a difference in vision between the 52-year-old and the club’s hierarchy proved too vast to overcome.
Chelsea decision-makers are also thought to have felt Pochettino should have claimed a higher Premier League finishing position than sixth.
The club will play European football next season, albeit it remains to be seen what competition awaits.
A Manchester City win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final later this month would see Chelsea granted entry into the Europa League. A Red Devils victory, however, would see them have to settle for the Conference League.
During a difficult season for the club, forward Palmer has perhaps been the one unmitigated success.
Eyebrows may have been raised back in August when the 22-year-old was signed for £45m having struggled for game time at Manchester City but the addition of the England international has proven a masterstroke.
Palmer scooped both the club’s Men’s Player of the Year Award last month as well as the Player’s Player of the Year gong.
He was named the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year too after scoring 22 goals and registering 11 assists in 34 appearances.
Following the news Pochettino had left the club, Palmer posted on Instagram.
“Gaffer, thank you for everything you have done for me & making my dreams come true.
“All the best.”
Standard Sport understands both Manchester United and Bayern Munich are interested in Pochettino, while Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness has joined Ruben Amorim and Kieran McKenna on Chelsea’s shortlist.
