Marco Silva has said “Fulham will always be in my heart” as it was announced he will leave the club following a five-year stay at Craven Cottage.
The head coach joined the Cottagers on a three-year contract upon their relegation to the Championship in July 2021, before securing their immediate return to the Premier League in April 2022.
With his current deal set expire this month, the 48-year-old has decided to move on, and is close to an agreement with Benfica.
In an open letter published by Fulham, external, Silva said: “After five years, our journey together comes to an end. I leave with a feeling I was told when I first arrived – that Fulham is a family.
“The players will be left with great memories and moments that we shared together through our hard work.
“To our fans – I asked you from day one to always be with us and that is what you did these past five years. We achieved a lot together.
“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.”