CHICAGO (AP) — Ozzie Guillen’s eight years as manager of the Chicago White Sox were never dull. His pre-game briefings were great theater. Opinions flew, so did four-letter words, brazen answers, often raucous laughter and interesting yarns.

Guillen did OK on the field, too, leading the White Sox to the World Series championship in 2005, their first since 1917. And even though Chicago has returned to the playoffs just once since that remarkable run, Guillen’s managerial talents didn’t seem to have diminished.

Certainly not in his mind.

With the White Sox struggling through a disappointing season and Guillen signed only through next year after his option was picked up in January, he wanted a contract extension.

Owner Jerry Reinsdorf listened but declined to give Guillen the extra years and money he wanted. So Guillen asked to be released from his contract and the White Sox agreed to do so Monday night, ending a long relationship that began when Guillen spent 13 seasons as the team’s shortstop from 1985-1997.

“I told my wife I wouldn’t cry,” Guillen said — and he didn’t during his final news conference.

He said he did get emotional when he gathered his players before Monday night’s game against Toronto — the White Sox sent him out a winner, 4-3 — and told them he was leaving.

“No regrets, no regrets,” Guillen said. “Very disappointed in this year, yes.”