Tuesday 7 March 2017 09:08, UK
World Cup winner Marco Materazzi leaves Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC a legend, the club's owners have said in a joint statement.
The former Inter Milan and Everton defender guided Chennaiyin to the title in 2015 and leaves the ISL as the manager with the highest number of wins in the competition's history.
"We thank Marco for three memorable seasons and wish him the very best for the future," co-owners MS Dhoni, Vita Dani and Abhishek Bachchan said in a statement.
"He will forever be a Chennaiyin FC legend and is also guaranteed a place in ISL history.
"Marco will always be warmly welcomed back in Chennai and especially at the Marina Arena."
Materazzi added: "I leave the club today grateful to have been given the opportunity to contribute in my own modest way to the shaping of India as a football nation and most of all grateful to have lived first-hand the birth and growth of Chennaiyin FC.
"Incredible team, incredible fans, incredible India!"
Chennaiyin have confirmed they already commenced their search for a new head coach.
This season's ISL will commence after India hosts its first-ever FIFA sanctioned tournament, the U17 World Cup, which concludes at the end of October.
