Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has expressed his gratitude to former head coach Mike Shanahan following his sacking by the club on Monday.

Shanahan departed after four seasons with the Redskins as they slumped to a 3-13 season, just one year after reaching the playoffs.

Despite reports of animosity between Griffin and Shanahan, the quarterback is grateful to his former coach for his help over the the past two seasons.

He told reporters: "I got a chance to talk to all of them before I left and I just want to say that Coach Shanahan has taught me a lot in the last two years of being with him. I want to thank him for drafting me to the Washington Redskins and giving me the chance to live out my dreams.

"I also want to thank Kyle [Shanahan] and Matt [LaFleur] for working so hard with me every day, day in and day out. We did a lot of great things together and I wish all three of them the best in the future. I'm looking forward to a new year and building this team back to where we know it should be."

Griffin struggled during his second season in the NFL, throwing 16 touchdowns to 12 interceptions in his 13 games.