Marc Cucurella was one of several Chelsea players to express their gratitude to former boss Enzo Maresca after he left the club on Thursday.
Maresca left his role despite leading the Blues to glory in the Club World Cup and Conference League last season, as well as securing Champions League football.
The Italian became the first manager in Premier League history to leave his club on New Year's Day, following a reported breakdown in his relationship with the club's hierarchy.
He took charge of 57 Premier League games, winning 28 of those (D15 L14), seeing his team score 96 goals while also averaging a win percentage of 49.1%.
But a run of just one win in their last seven league matches has seen Maresca depart Stamford Bridge, with his last game in charge coming in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
Indeed, the Blues have now dropped 15 points from winning positions in the top flight in 2025-26 β more than any other team in the competition so far.
Cucurella made 78 appearances in all competitions under Maresca at Chelsea, more than any other player, with the Spaniard wishing the 45-year-old well for the future.
"Thank you for everything, mister, and to your staff. For the work and the trust from day one, and for the memories," Cucurella posted to Instagram.
"Wishing you all the best in what comes next. Good luck, boss!"
Friction between Maresca and the club seemed evident when he described the build-up to a 2-0 win over Everton on December 13 as "the worst 48 hours" since he joined.
He did, however, say he would "absolutely" be the Chelsea boss next season in the following weeks, though that has since failed to transpire.
Robert Sanchez was another to wish Maresca well, saying: "Thank you for everything, Enzo, Mickey, Willy, Dani, Marcos and Robi.
"Very grateful for the trust and the memories we shared. Those will live with me forever. Wishing you all the best for the future, will miss you all."
Levi Colwill, who is currently out of action with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, also thanked Maresca for his contributions at the club.
"Not just a top manager but a top person. Thank you for everything. It was a pleasure to work with you and create great memories," Colwill added.
Reports have suggested that Liam Rosenior, who is the manager of Strasbourg, is the standout candidate to replace Maresca.
Labadkotyz
0
i dnt understand why amorim still in m.united with out trophy
Jutcdknpru
1
bad decisions from Chelsea board
Yosacloruy
1
this is bad for Chelsea losing such a good Manager,, anyway good luck Enzo
sewbelmpz
1
Thank you Mister, you turned Chelsea to a real deal. Good luck with your career Boss! I personally will miss you
Pass2Pogba
0
best manager Cheslea had in years. and this club again sacking. disaster
tapikorsy
0
Sunderland coach??? Really guys?? Come on! We can do better than that! We are Chelsea! Top London club! The only club that has won every single European and English trophies!
senbcklnoy
1
bring Sunderland coach please
pedbdikrst
0
bring Sunderland coach
Charlesugwu
1
Moral go low for these boys in their next few games. Let's see how they will be motivated
fupceiluyz
2
REGIS LE BRIS is the best for my most famous mighty Chelsea, the reigning club world cup champions ππππππππ
bamadiloty
1
Man U must swap coaches with Chelsea and Liverpool must swap with Sunderland
Kikdiklmsu
2
Marasca wishing you best at your next managerial role, you did very excellent Am Barca Fan..
risbcdilry
3
Besides the manager taking the fall for the teams pathetic performance in some winnable games, the players are also to blame for their some lethargic and passionless displays! At times, players are hopelessly out of form and very much prone to mistakes that results in unnecessary losses!
luubinpryz
4
The best new year gift ever Chelsea Football Club has given to us as fans. Your thank you ππΎ