Cristiano Ronaldo created divide between Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly before Chelsea sacking

Thomas Tuchel’s strained relationship with Todd Boehly started when the pair clashed over Chelsea’s pursuit of Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

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The German was dismissed as Chelsea manager on Wednesday morning after the Blues’ defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia on Tuesday night.

Tuchel was given almost free reign at Stamford Bridge this summer, with the German enjoying unprecedented levels of autonomy over the club’s transfer business.

The former Dortmund boss spent close to £300m to bring in the likes of Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly, to name just a few.

But while Tuchel enjoyed nearly full ownership over Chelsea’s transfer business, the German vetoed the club’s suggestion to sign Ronaldo.

Todd Boehly was keen to make a statement signing following his takeover of the club and the American met with Jorges Mendes after Ronaldo issued his intention to leave Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, for his part, was keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and Boehly felt he could replace Romelu Lukaku, who returned to Inter Milan after just 12 months at the club.

But Tuchel blocked the move as he felt Ronaldo was a poor fit for the way he wants to play at Stamford Bridge.

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The German had intentions to sign a new, younger centre forward but the club ended up signing 33-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on deadline day.

Tuchel’s refusal to listen to Boehly’s suggestion caused a strain between the pair, particularly as the club’s co-owner felt he had given the German