Cesc Fabregas denies any ill feeling towards former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, suggesting the trust he put in the players following their Premier League triumph proved his downfall.

Just seven months after claiming a third top-flight title in his second spell at the helm, Mourinho left the club in 16th position and just one point above the relegation zone after 16 matches.

Reports then emerged that Fabregas had tried to sabotage the Portuguese's tenure and would rather lose to bring his exit nearer than try to win – claims which he denied.

The Spaniard insists he has nothing but affection for Mourinho and expressed regret the players let him down.

"A lot has been said and many, many wrong things. I love Jose, I consider him my friend – we still keep in touch," said Fabregas on Sky Sports. "Some of the things said were unfortunate, but I have huge respect.

"I think Jose's biggest problem was he trusted us too much. He gave us more holiday because we were champions, he believed in us more, he trusted us more, and we let him down – the whole team.

"And that was the main reason why at the end he had to go and for that, myself, and all the team I think, feel bad for that."