Jose Mourinho was reportedly sacked by the Chelsea board moments after the team's annual Christmas lunch.

The Portuguese manager was relieved from his post yesterday with the club sitting one point above the relegation zone after a run of nine defeats in 16 Premier League games.

According to The Mirror, Mourinho took training as usual on Thursday morning before sitting down with his players and staff for their festive meal in the canteen at the club's Cobham training ground.

At 2pm, as the players began to leave for home, chairman Bruce Buck arrived and summoned Mourinho for a 10-minute meeting in which he was informed that his contract was being terminated.

The 52-year-old then reportedly said his goodbyes to staff before leaving the complex with his belongings, which included a cardboard cut-out of himself and a 'Special One' mug.

Guus Hiddink is currently favourite with the bookmakers to succeed Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.