Chelsea captain John Terry, teammates salute outgoing Jose Mourinho

London: English football champions Chelsea's captain John Terry has paid an emotional tribute to outgoing coach Jose Mourinho, terming him "the very best I have ever worked with".

Chelsea parted company with Mourinho by "mutual consent" on Thursday after a "palpable discord with the players".

His departure comes seven months after he led them to the Premier League title. It was the Portuguese coach's second spell at the club, taking charge in June 2013. He was previously at the helm from 2004-07.

His exit was marred by reports that he has fallen out with several key players within the team. Chelsea won the Premier League and the League Cup last season, but have lost nine of their 16 league games so far and are 16th on the table, one point above the relegation place.

Terry captained Chelsea to three English Premier League titles across Mourinho's two spells and formed a strong relationship with the Portuguese.

Terry was full of praise for Mourinho on social networking site Instagram on Friday, posting a photograph of the two together with the message: "Thank You doesn’t seem enough. Sad sad day. Gonna miss you Boss. The Very Best I have EVER worked with, unbelievable memories together. #boss #friend #specialone #bestever @chelseafc.”

He was joined by teammate Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta who were also forthcoming with wholesome praise for the Portuguese coach.

"Thank you for all you have done for me. I owe you a lot and we will all miss you. Good luck in the future," Fabregas wrote on Twitter on Friday.

"Today is a sad day. I would publicly like to thank José Mourinho for his contribution to this club and for everything he has taught me over the years. I want to wish him all the best for the future. With him we have achieved very important titles and memories for the fans that will remain in the history of Chelsea forever. He will always be remembered. Thank you mister," wrote Azpilicueta.

Today is a sad day. I would publicly like to thank José Mourinho for his contribution to this club and for everything he...Posted by Cesar Azpilicueta on Thursday, 17 December 2015