Antonio Conte Thanks Chelsea Staff and Players After Firing

Sacked Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has released a statement thanking those at the club who helped him win the Premier League and FA Cup before he was replaced at the helm by Maurizio Sarri last week.

Conte's Chelsea stay started in bright fashion, but after winning the Premier League in his first season, his departure from Stamford Bridge was ultimately awkward and drawn-out. Nevertheless, he released a statement via the League Managers' Association (h/t Goal's Chris Burton) on Monday, which read:

"I would like to thank all of my friends at Chelsea Football Club for their hard work and support over the past two seasons which enabled us to win the Premier League and FA Cup together. 

"To the players, whose talent and commitment was so important to our successes, I thank them for everything. It has been a pleasure working with them every day.

"To my staff, who always worked so hard, I must say thank you and well done for their professionalism and dedication throughout.

[...]"I hope Chelsea will continue to be successful and I wish everyone well for next season."

Sarri was installed as manager on Friday after Chelsea cleared the necessary negotiations with former club Napoli, and he's looking to fire the club back to success after they finished fifth in the Premier League last term.

It was unfortunate that Conte's exit came about as it did, following a rocky season and seemingly with much going on behind closed doors, as Omnisport noted one portion of the club that didn't get a mention in his thanks:

Conte showed his magnanimity by sending his well wishes for Chelsea's future, and he also said:

"I have enjoyed my time in England and London so much and I want to thank the Chelsea fans who have been amazing to me and my family. It was fantastic for me to be able to share my emotions, passion and enthusiasm throughout two unforgettable seasons with these amazing Chelsea supporters, who will always stay in my heart."

Manchester City were rampant on their way to one of the most dominant Premier League title triumphs there's ever been, Meanwhile, Chelsea finished outside the UEFA Champions League qualification spots in what was their second-worst defence of the crown (Chelsea came 10th in 2015-16, after winning the league).

The change in leadership is particularly quizzical when looking at Conte's win percentage in charge of the club, not to mention the fact he won major silverware in each of his two seasons at the club, per The Independent:

As writer Dan Levene pointed out, the love lost between the two parties was reciprocal:

That wasn't to say Conte's time in England came to an end without any fond farewell, though as LMA chief executive Richard Bevan paid tribute to the Italian's work since arriving in 2016:

"Antonio made an immediate impact when he arrived in the Premier League two years ago. His energy and enthusiasm for football has been infectious and it has been a privilege to have one of the best coaches in the world working in the Premier League to raise the standard of the league and his players at Chelsea.

"His record as a manager speaks for itself, with a record-breaking Premier League season and FA Cup title to look back on with pride. Antonio is hugely respected by his peers within the English game, who voted him as LMA Manager of the Year in 2017."

Sarri faces an unenviable task in attempting to replicate—or even better—the success Conte experienced in his first Premier League campaign, especially as Man City don't look like losing any of their potency in the near future.

Former Juventus and Italy boss Conte may not have experienced the most joyful ending to his time at Stamford Bridge, but his statement of thanks serves as a final reminder as to why he'll be missed.