Steve Sidwell has revealed a number of Chelsea players were crying on the floor after learning of Jose Mourinho’s departure from the club in 2007.
The self-proclaimed 'Special One' elevated the Blues to elite level following his arrival in 2004, winning five major trophies - including tow Premier League titles - in just three years.
But during the 2007/08, sitting fifth in the League – albeit just a couple of points behind Arsenal in first place - and following three games without a win, Mourinho was shown the door, however, in what was a total shock for the players.
Sidwell – who signed for Chelsea under Mourinho’s stewardship – insists there were no prior hints to his exit, admitting the players were distraught.
Speaking to The Athletic, Sidwell said: “I never felt that tension or thought he was in trouble.
“There were a few games before, you could see things in the press and it really bubbled up. But you didn’t feel it on the inside.
“The players were all united, no one was turning against him; he hadn’t lost the dressing room.
“The day he went, I was driving my wife to the airport and the news came on the radio. I just thought, ‘He’s gone. What’s going to happen?’ We were then all called into a meeting at Cobham.
“It was awkward when Jose came to say his goodbyes. You could have heard a pin drop. It felt like someone had died.
"When you see strong characters like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry either crying on the floor or certainly welling up… I got upset as well. It was really weird.
“I called him later in the day to thank him for bringing me to Chelsea and to express regret that we didn’t work together for longer.
"He told me he had no doubts I would go on to have a great career, which was nice of him. Every time I’ve seen him since then, through football or socially, he’s been top drawer.”
Mourinho was swiftly replaced by Avram Grant, who did in fact lead Chelsea to the Champions League final where they lost in a penalty shootout to Manchester United.
Sidwell lost his place in the team following Mourinho’s sacking and moved to Aston Villa in 2008, just a year after he had joined the club having made 15 appearances.
