Jose Mourinho was smuggled out of Chelsea's training ground in the boot of one of his assistant's cars following his sacking in December 2015.
The Portuguese manager's second spell at Stamford Bridge ended following nine defeats from their opening 16 Premier League games, leaving the defending champions 16th and just one point above the relegation places.
It also came in the aftermath of his touchline argument with club doctor Eva Carneiro and the subsequent Football Association probe and legal action that followed.
The Athletic have revealed that Mourinho exited Chelsea's Cobham training base following his dismissal on December 17 in the boot of goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro's SUV after the press and photographer gathered at the gates were thrown off the scent by an elaborate decoy.