Brendan Rodgers revealed his disappointment after being sacked as manager of Liverpool FC but reaffirmed his pride at serving the club, which he called an "honour and a privilege."
Rodgers oversaw his last game as Reds boss on Sunday as the Reds drew 1-1 against Everton in the 225th edition of the Merseyside derby, before Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon announced the news to him via a transatlantic telephone call.
Chief executive Ian Ayre then spoke to the Northern Irishman face-to-face to explain the decision as the Merseyside club parted company with Rodgers, who had been the manager since May 2012.
And in a statement Rodgers released through the League Managers Association, who awared him a Manager of the Year accolade only two seasons ago, he admitted he was "incredibly disappointed" to be leaving.
Rodgers lauds "memorable moments" of Liverpool reign
Nevertheless, Rodgers confirmed that he left on good terms and said it has been both "an honour and a privilege" to be in charge of what he called "one of the game's great clubs" over the past three years.
He insisted that he worked "every day" to represent the club to the best of his abilities and "develop both individual players and a team that the club's magnificent fans" could be proud of.
The 42-year-old, who failed to win a trophy in his three-and-a-half year spell with the club but exerted a swashbuckling style of football in an unforgettable 2013-14 season, said there were some "very memorable moments" during his time as manager and thanked his players "for their hard work and commitment" in helping delivering those moments.
On the team going forward, he said the squad he has left behind is "one in transition" but declared that they have "real talent" and are already displaying a "strong sense of togetherness" early into the new campaign.
Rodgers further stated that, in his absence, he expects the Liverpool side to "grow and develop" throughout the course of the campaign, wishing well the team and his successor "for the rest of the season."
Having spoken so highly of the club in recent weeks leading up to his departure, Rodgers hailed the "magnificent football heritage" of Liverpool and insisted his "respect and admiration" for the "history, tradition and values" which he said make both the club and the city "so exceptional."
Rodgers also thanked "everyone connected" with Liverpool - including the directors, his coaching staff, FSG, various staff and the "amazing" fans for their "unwavering support, passion and dedication" which he said helped to make his time at the club "so special."
Despite them cutting short his Anfield tenure, he gave a "special mention" to John W. Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon for the "great opportunity" they handed to him and vowed that their "relationship and friendship will continue into the future" though they will no longer be working alongside each other.
Northern Irishman backed to bounce back
Rodgers, who was pictured in Malaga, Spain on Monday morning, is likely to take a break away from football despite being favourite to succeed the underfire Steve McClaren at Newcastle United currently.
The devastated boss - who was the second-longest serving manager in the top-flight before being sacked - is likely to return to management later this season, however, whether that is in the Premier League or abroad.
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan has backed Rodgers to get back into the game in the coming months, calling him "one of he most talented and forward-thinking" British managers in the modern game.
He referred to the formal recognition of Rodgers' talent earlier in 2013 after his "brilliant work" earned him the Manager of the Year award, after he "very nearly" inspired them to the Premier League title.
Despite such a dismal end to his time in charge, he said that the manager has demonstrated both "the skills and personality" to be able to be in charge "at the highest levels of the game."
Bevan added that Rodgers has "dedicated his entire professional life" to building and developing both players and teams and discussed his confidence that his "knowledge and passion for the game" means it "won't be too long before he finds a new challenge."