Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has spoken for the first time since he agreed to mutually terminate his contract with Chelsea days after the Premier League season ended.

Pochettino, who was only in charge at Stamford Bridge for one season, took to his social media to thank the owners of the club for the opportunity to return to the English Premier League.

When it became clear he would leave Chelsea, the Argentine’s name was linked to several jobs, but most of them have been occupied, and his next role may not come quickly.

“To the owners, and the sporting directors we appreciate the opportunity to return to the Premier League at this great club @chelseafc 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 the 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.”

Pochettino will return to Stamford Bridge again this weekend for the Soccer Aid charity match. He will coach the World XI against England, which Chelsea legend Frank Lampard will manage.

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