Chelsea’s sacking of Antonio Conte is a mere formality now as Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas has paid a tribute to the outgoing Italian tactician on Twitter before the club officially announced his exit.

Conte has been on the verge of an exit since the closing stages of the 2017-18 season, but due to a multitude of reasons, the club have dallied in making it official.

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Almost every top-class manager, available and unavailable, has been linked with Conte’s job but in the past month or so, Maurizio Sarri has become the hot favourite.

And after Napoli announced that former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will be taking charge for the upcoming season, Sarri’s arrival in West London seemed imminent.

However, it’s been over a month since Ancelotti’s confirmation and still there is no official line from Chelsea even though the club have started their pre-season preparations.

Conte’s been absent from all social media posts by the club, which has only fuelled rumours that he won’t be in charge by the time the Premier League season starts in August.

And Fabregas’ post seems to have put to bed any doubt about his departure:

Thank you Mister for another Premier League title and FA Cup. It wasn’t easy for me to convince you in the beginning but in the end I hope I did you proud! Good luck for the future. #CFC

— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) July 12, 2018

The Spanish midfielder’s found playing time hard to come by under the Italian, but has admiringly fought for his place instead of pushing for a move elsewhere in the two seasons they spent together.

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As mentioned by Fabregas, Conte won the Premier League and the FA Cup to make it two major trophies in as many years but due to repeated clashes with the club management, seems to be on his way out.

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Sarri’s got a buyout clause at Napoli rumoured to be in the region of €8 million while Conte will get a hefty severance package as well so the ‘switch’ won’t come cheap for the West Londoners.

Blues fans are hoping that the sticky situation is sorted out without further delay as the club play Australian side Perth Glory on July 23 for their first pre-season friendly.

They have a Community Shield clash with Manchester City on August 5 on the horizon as well while their Premier League opener sees them visit Huddersfield Town on August 11.