What they say

Chelsea's Diego Costa embraces Jose Mourinho as he is substituted during the Champions League match against Porto on Dec 17.

"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."

Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea midfielder

"They needed a change to spark a reaction, but they have sacked the best manager in their history and the best manager in the game. The players should be held accountable. You cannot sack all the players so sack the manager - whether right or wrong."

Thierry Henry, former Arsenal striker

"There has been something fundamentally wrong in the last few months at Chelsea. That is why part of me says I am not shocked, but the other part of me thinks that because of what Jose has done for Chelsea - both first time round and second time - would have bought him a bit of time."

Graeme Souness, former Liverpool manager

"Previously he was perceived as intelligent, charming and witty but (with) some of his antics this season he has really let himself down."

Chris Sutton, former Chelsea striker

"Once you fall out with players then it is a very difficult situation you find yourself in. If you fall out with two or three, you can move them on. But when you go over that you're talking about half a dressing room. That's a big number. You can't sack all the players. Then you have a decision to make."

Alan Shearer, former England captain

(China Daily 12/19/2015 page11)