Marco Silva (foto: Getty Images)
Marco Silva has officially left Fulham after five successful seasons, with the Portuguese coach now set for a return home with Benfica.
Marco Silva is leaving Fulham after five years in charge, ending one of the most stable managerial eras in the club's recent history.
The Portuguese coach rejected a lucrative offer to remain at Craven Cottage and is now expected to return home to take over at Benfica.
The move closes a successful chapter in London.
Fulham confirmed Silva's departure in an official statement, ending months of speculation surrounding his future.
"The club can confirm that Marco Silva will leave his role as Head Coach at Fulham this summer."
Silva also delivered an emotional goodbye message to supporters.
"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."
"Fulham will always be in my heart, and sooner or later I will be back at Craven Cottage."
Silva's Fulham legacy includes:
• Championship promotion back to the Premier League
• Five consecutive seasons in charge
• Establishing Fulham as a stable top-flight club again
• Becoming one of the league's longest-serving managers
Owner Shahid Khan praised Silva's contribution but admitted the club had prepared for this moment.
"Fulham and Marco were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game."
Silva's next destination appears clear.
The 48-year-old is expected to sign a three-year contract with Benfica, replacing Jose Mourinho, who is reportedly heading back to Real Madrid.
For Silva, the return to Portugal carries extra significance.
He previously managed Benfica's city rivals Sporting CP, meaning his appointment is unlikely to be welcomed by everyone in Lisbon.
His move also comes after years of publicly requesting stronger backing in the transfer market at Fulham.
Now, after rebuilding his reputation in England following spells with Hull City, Watford and Everton, Silva is preparing for another major challenge.
Fulham, meanwhile, begin searching for the manager who follows one of their most important modern coaches.