Andriy Shevchenko has called on Chelsea to be united following last week's departure of Jose Mourinho.

The Ukraine striker, 30, said: "It's a difficult moment for the club, the players, the team, because of big changes in the house.

"It's a moment for the players to stick together and do our best for the club."

Avram Grant was initially brought in as director of football with a special role to work with the misfiring Shevchenko.

But Shevchenko, who will be looking to celebrate his 31st birthday with a win over Fulham on Saturday, insists he is not expecting any special treatment from the new man in charge.

He added: "I know him as director of football with the team, like every player. He tries now as a manager and every player has the same relationship."