Countdown to departure

Last updated: 20th September 2007

Countdown to departure

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We look at the incidents that led to Jose Mourinho's decision to quit Chelsea.

2005: September - Chelsea appoint Frank Arnesen as director of scouting and youth development.

2007: January 10 - Mourinho rejects claims that he has faced dressing-room unrest over summer signing Michael Ballack's contribution to the team.

January 11 - Rumours Mourinho could leave Chelsea in the summer surface after he accused the Stamford Bridge board of refusing to back him in the January transfer window.

January 13 - Mourinho drops Andriy Shevchenko for a Premier League clash with Wigan.

April 15 - Secures an FA Cup final meeting with Manchester United with a 2-1 extra-time win over Blackburn. Shares a hug with Abramovich, raising suggestions of a warming in relations between the pair.

May 1 - Chelsea are defeated on penalties by Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals. Shevchenko had ruled himself out of the second leg citing an injury, with Mourinho reported to be furious. The Ukrainian did not feature for the Blues again until a 0-0 draw with Blackburn on 15th September.

June 26 - Avram Grant appointed Chelsea's director of football.

July 12 - Mourinho warns Grant not to interfere with team affairs.

September 2 - After a good start to the season, Chelsea lose 2-0 at Aston Villa, prompting Abramovich to leave the directors box before the final whistle.

September 18 - The Blues follow up a home draw with Blackburn with a 1-1 stalemate with Norwegian club Rosenborg in the Champions League. Only 24,973 supporters attend the match and boos ring out at the final whistle.

September 20 - A Chelsea statement confirms Mourinho has left the club by mutual consent.