Marco Silva has left Fulham after five years in charge of the Cottagers, the club has confirmed.
In a statement, Fulham said: "We can confirm that Marco Silva will leave his role as Head Coach at Fulham this summer.
"It's a position that Silva has held for five years - a spell which was laden with success."
Silva sent an open letter to supporters, reading: "After five years, our journey together comes to an end. I leave with a feeling I was told when I first arrived - that Fulham Football Club is a family.
Marco Silva has left Fulham after five years in charge
| PA"Thanks to Mr Khan, Tony and Alistair for their support and, above all, for the relationship we built.
"Thank you for the great work of all the club staff members behind the scenes.
"The players will be left with great memories and moments that we shared together through our hard work.
"Last, but not least, to our fans - I asked you from day one, to always be with us. And that's what you did these past five years. We achieved a lot together.
Silva told Fulham fans: 'My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten'
| REUTERSLATEST SPORTS NEWS
"My staff and I always felt your support. It will never be forgotten.
"Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage. Marco."
Fulham owner Shahid Khan sent a heartfelt message to his departing manager.
Khan said: "Marco Silva leaves our club with my gratitude and best wishes. Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game, and we've accordingly prepared for this moment.
Silva has joined Benfica after leaving Fulham
| REUTERS"The talent in our squad, our historic home ground of Craven Cottage, our faithful supporters, and my commitment to backing the club, all make Fulham an extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach.
"We will soon appoint a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our club and expectations of our fans throughout the world."
Silva guided Fulham to their first league title in 21 years, when they scored 110 goals and dominated the Championship.
The Portuguese helped the west Londoners re-establish themselves as a solid Premier League club, comfortably finishing in the top half in 2023.
Silva helped the west Londoners re-establish themselves as a solid Premier League club
| PASilva led the Whites to their record Premier League points tally, with the team achieving 54 points in 2025.
He also guided Fulham to four quarter-finals in domestic cup competitions and the club's first-ever appearance in the League Cup semi-finals.
Silva has been confirmed as the new Benfica boss, following news that Jose Mourinho will leave the Portuguese side for Real Madrid.
He has signed a contract until June 2028, plus an option until 2029, after being wanted by both Rui Costa and Mario Branco.
Kieran McKenna is the favourite to replace Silva, having achieved promotion with Ipswich Town this season.
Thomas Frank and Oliver Glasner are also being rumoured, as is former Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior.
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