Fiorentina have relieved Vincenzo Montella (picture) of his duties in charge of the club, saying their decision was down to a lack of respect from the Italian over recent comments he made.

Montella guided the Serie A club to a fourth-placed finish this season but recent reported comments made by the head coach towards the club’s supporters brought about Monday’s decision with two years remaining on his contract.

The Viola released a statement which read: “ACF Fiorentina views the recent actions undertaken by head coach Vincenzo Montella as a clear attempt to get out of a contract he signed less than two years ago because it includes a clause that he no longer holds to be in his interest, although he agreed to it at the time.

“It is therefore with great regret that we must recognise that the trust required to continue our relationship together has been lost and, for the good of the club, we have little option other than to relieve Vincenzo Montella of his duties.

“We would have expected to see the coach behave in a clearer, more respectful and less ambiguous manner towards the club and the fans that have given him so much.”