Antonio Conte has been sacked as Chelsea manager.
The 48-year-old Italian had a year remaining on his contract, but has left the Blues 55 days after lifting the FA Cup in his final match in charge - and having taken pre-season training earlier this week.
Conte, who is reportedly set to be replaced by former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri, also led Chelsea to the 2016-17 Premier League title in his first season as boss.
Chelsea said in a statement on Friday: "Chelsea Football Club and Antonio Conte have parted company.
"During Antonio's time at the club, we won our sixth league title and eighth FA Cup. In the title-winning season, the club set a then-record 30 wins in a 38-game Premier League season, as well as a club-record 13 consecutive league victories.
"We wish Antonio every success in his future career."
Former Juventus and Italy boss Conte signed a three-year contract before becoming Chelsea head coach in July 2016.
His deal was improved, but not extended, in July 2017 after the Premier League win, hinting at differences with the Blues hierarchy.
Speculation had shrouded his position last season, as Conte did little to hide his dissent over Chelsea's transfer business in the summer of 2017 and winter of 2017-18, making thinly-veiled criticisms of "the club".
And the differences proved to be irreconcilable as Conte's departure after just two seasons was confirmed 10 days before the club's first pre-season friendly of the 2018-19 campaign.
Conte was Jose Mourinho's permanent successor as boss and masterminded a revival from 10th place in 2015-16 to first in his maiden season in English football.
Chelsea beat Mourinho's Manchester United at Wembley in May this year for Conte's second trophy of the spell, after which the Italian said he was a "serial winner" who "can't change", citing his contract as he answered speculation it would be his final match in charge.
A fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, missing out on Champions League qualification and ending up 30 points behind winners Manchester City, did little to strengthen Conte's argument to stay on.
And Chelsea are now looking for a 13th permanent boss of Roman Abramovich's ownership, which began in June 2003.
Chelsea's 64-word statement marks the end of a protracted dismissal and Blues supporters will hope for a swift about-turn and progress at the club.
The team's first game of pre-season is the July 23 friendly with Perth Glory in Western Australia, while the transfer window for Premier League clubs closes on August 9.
Sarri has replaced Conte as boss before, with a short-lived spell at Arezzo in 2006-07 before Conte was reappointed.
Gianfranco Zola, the former Chelsea playmaker, has been linked with joining Sarri's coaching staff, if his fellow Italian is appointed.
