Though this news will surprise few, it will disappoint many. After all, how can you justifably sack a man who reached a Champions League final and guided the club to the second best finish in it's history?
A Chelsea statement read: "Claudio has done a first class job for the club and paved the way for future success.
"We would like to wish Claudio all the best for the future. We are discussing the exact terms of his departure with him and his representatives."
Early reports indicate that Claudio will receive a £6million pay off for the reast of his contract, and an additional £2 million not to disclose any details about his treatment at the club. I suspect Claudio will be buying Ken Bates a very expensive bottle of red wine for giving him such a lucrative contract in 2002!
Chelsea Mad would like to wish Claudio Ranieri all the best for the future. As you would put it Claudio, together with all our hearts...