体坛英语新闻：Chelsea boss Mourinho leaves club

LONDON - Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has left the club, according to media reports on Thursday.

Chelsea's manager Jose Mourinho gestures during the FA Cup final soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at the new Wembley Stadium in London in this May 19, 2007 file photo. [Reuters]

The Portuguese, who took over in 2004 and won consecutive Premier League titles, told senior players that he was leaving, Sky Sports News reported on Thursday.

Chelsea have made no comment on Mourinho's position, although Sky Sports News quoted a "senior player" as having said that Mourinho had been sacked.

A BBC report says Mourinho sent text messages to senior players, including skipper John Terry, telling them he was leaving the club.

Chelsea have never lost a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge under Mourinho but rumours surfaced last season that he had fallen out with billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

They lost their title to Manchester United last season and have started this season with some lacklustre displays.

Their last two Premier League games ended in a defeat at Aston Villa and a 0-0 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers, leaving them fifth in the table.

On Tuesday they drew 1-1 with Rosenborg Trondheim in the Champions League in front of just 25,000 fans.