Mauricio Pochettino sheds new light on Chelsea exit in official statement after Enzo Maresca appointment

Mauricio Pochettino has released a lengthy statement on his much-talked-about Chelsea departure as he prepares to make a return to Stamford Bridge on June 9.

Despite recording five straight wins at the end of the Premier League campaign, it was announced last month that Chelsea would part ways with Pochettino, less than a year after his appointment.

The 52-year-old's willingness to fit in with the club-imposed structure played a role in his departure, according to The Athletic, who also stressed that Chelsea's owners were keen to appointment a coach that 'teaches’ football.

They eventually moved to appoint the highly-rated Enzo Maresca as their new head coach after he helped Leicester City earn automatic promotion to England's top flight.

Now, Pochettino has released a statement on his Instagram as he prepares to take charge of the World XI for this year's Soccer Aid charity game at Stamford Bridge.

He wrote: "To the owners, the sporting directors we appreciate the opportunity to return to the Premier League at this great club @Chelsea and for the support you gave us, as well as from all the players, staff and fans - thank you.

"We understand how important this football club is to you all and that is why we work so hard to give you a Chelsea you can be proud of.

"I am so pleased with the level the team reached and the way the players and staff have all worked so hard to increase their standards, they deserve great credit and I hope you felt that too in how they performed on the pitch.

"We know there have been ups and downs but we always believed in this team and that we would arrive at a consistent level.

"I believe the experiences of this season and big improvement we saw, I hope will only make the players stronger for the future. It has been a pleasure to work with them all and we appreciate the strong bonds we created in this last year together.

"I want to wish all of you the best for next season and beyond.

"It is great that we have the chance to return to Stamford Bridge so soon with @socceraid this weekend and I hope that we get to see some of you there too.

"I hope you all get to have a great summer. Big hug from us. MP x."

Image credit: Getty

As mentioned earlier, Chelsea have replaced Pochettino with Enzo Maresca, who has penned a five-year deal at the Premier League club.

"To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by this opportunity," Maresca told Chelsea's official website.

"I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud.”