Tiemoue Bakayoko has suggested that Chelsea's board, and not manager Maurizio Sarri, were behind his early exit from Stamford Bridge.

The France international lasted just one season in West London before being shipped out on loan to AC Milan, where he has been used regularly all campaign.

Bakayoko left Chelsea a month after Sarri arrived, but the 24-year-old believes that it was the Italian's own bosses who had the final say.

"I think it came from above. The club weren't doing well, wanted change, and I was a part of it," he told France Football.

"Sarri arrived, and he was told that's how things were. He also brought in his midfielder, Jorginho. A second season at Chelsea could have allowed me to settle, but I felt the need to leave."

Bakayoko has previously admitted that it would be a "dream" to join Milan on a permanent basis, but Chelsea reportedly want £35m for him.