Cesc Fabregas has insisted that he had an "exceptionally good relationship" with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, despite strong reports to the contrary.

Fabregas was roundly booed by Chelsea supporters during the team's 3-1 win over Sunderland at the weekend, with some fans blaming the Spaniard for refusing to perform to his best under Mourinho's leadership.

The 28-year-old has firmly denied those suggestions on social media, however, and also vowed to work hard in order to return the Blues to former glories.

"I can reiterate that I had an exceptionally good relationship with Jose Mourinho as I will aim to have with any coach that I play for," Fabregas posted on Instagram.

"The football club is more important than any one player. We have all let the manager and club down this year as a collective unit. We will get this right of that I am sure. With all your help we can put this period behind us and make @chelseafc great again."

Mourinho was relieved of his duties at Chelsea last week following a difficult 2015-16 campaign to date and Guus Hiddink has been placed in charge of the team on an interim basis.

Fabregas, meanwhile, has this week been linked with a move to Real Madrid due to his strained relationship with the Chelsea fans.