Laurent Blanc leaves Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain have announced that Laurent Blanc has left as manager of the Ligue 1 champions.

Former Sevilla boss Unai Emery has been strongly linked with replacing the Frenchman at the club.

Blanc was appointed at PSG in 2013 and led the side to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France victories and three Coupe de la Ligue successes.

A PSG statement read: “In a respectful atmosphere, negotiations were completed on June 27. An agreement, by common accord, preserves the interests of both parties.

“As the club decides to head in a new direction for the management of the first team, it wishes to thank Laurent Blanc and expresses its gratitude for the work accomplished over the last three years by Laurent and his staff.

“During his three years at the club, Laurent Blanc won 11 trophies, including two national quadruples, and left a significant mark on the great history of Paris Saint-Germain.”

PSG chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “As we embark on a new chapter in the development of the club, I would like to thank Laurent Blanc for everything he has achieved over the last three years, both in terms of the playing style and results. I wish him the best for his future challenges.”

Blanc, said: “My collaboration with PSG ends today. I would like to thank all the people who’ve worked alongside me.

“I spent three seasons here that were fulfilling on a human and professional level, littered with numerous trophies. I wish the best for PSG and its supporters as well as good luck for my successor.”

Blanc has achieved huge success domestically, but failed to deliver European silverware. PSG went out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the hands of Manchester City this season – and Blanc has been widely expected to depart since.

Emery has won the Europa League for Sevilla in each of the past three seasons.

PSG have confirmed that assistant coach Jean-Louis Gasset and physical trainer Philippe Lambert also are leaving.