CHELSEA icon Dennis Wise has left Serie A side Como 1907 and appeared to take aim at Cesc Fabregas in his departure statement.
The Blues legend, 57, was appointed technical consultant of the Italian side in 2019 and rose to sole administrator in 2021.
During his time at the club, Como have achieved two promotions and last season clinched their place back in the top division for the first time in 35 years.
Ex-Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas, 37, joined Como as a player in 2022 before he became U19 and B-team coach.
Last week, he was then announced as manager of the first team, signing a four-year deal.
It came just days after Como defended an unnamed defender for an alleged racist remark made at Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan during a pre-season friendly.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Como received huge backlash following their statement - which claimed the incident had been "blown out of proportion".
Following that controversy and the appointment of Fabregas, Wise has opted to leave the club.
And some of his words seemed to be aimed at Fabregas.
He : "The club has decided to follow Cesc Fabregas' direction."
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Dennis Wise's statement in full
"It is with a heavy heart that I leave Como 1907. I wish the club success going forward. It has been an incredible journey with Como 1907, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had here.
"The support from the team, the coaching staff, and our loyal fans has been overwhelming, and I will always cherish the memories we've made together.
"During my time with the club, we have made significant progress and achieved promotion back into Serie A, which gives me immense pride. I want to acknowledge the collective effort that made that possible.
"I am also incredibly grateful to the fans who have supported us through thick and thin. Their passion and unwavering support has been a driving force for me to achieve the success they deserve.
"The club has decided to follow Cesc Fabregas' direction. I wish good luck to the team, to Cesc, and to all the new recruitment team in the next steps; Serie A status and European football - I wish you continued success.
"While this is farewell, it is not the end. I will always carry the spirit of Como and its wonderful people with me, wherever I go."
Wise then went on to wish the Arsenal legend good luck, while he also insisted he will "carry the spirit of Como and its wonderful people with me, wherever I go".
Wise's managerial career spanned from 2003 to 2008 when he coached at Millwall, Southampton, Swindon and Leeds.
As a player, he spent 11 years with Chelsea, winning two FA Cups, one League Cup, the Cup Winners' Cup and Uefa Super Cup.
Wise also had spells at Wimbledon, Leicester, Millwall, Southampton and Coventry, while he earned 21 caps for England.