体坛英语新闻：Chelsea sack manager Mourinho

LONDON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Under-fire Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been sacked, the English Premier League club announced here on Thursday.

"Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent," Chelsea said in a statement.

"All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.

"His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history. But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.

"The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea. His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge."

The Blues are just one point above the relegation zone, having lost nine out of their 16 games so far this season.

Chelsea's struggles this season are in stark contrast to last term, when Mourinho's men lost just three games on their way to the championship.

The 52-year-old came back in 2013 after apparently repairing his relationship with owner Roman Abramovich.