Branislav Ivanovic closed the curtain on a nine-year career at Chelsea today when his move to Zenit St Petersburg was officially announced.
The defender’s move was spoken about through the media during transfer deadline day on Tuesday, but he seemed to go quietly despite being such a long-standing servant.
Chelsea announced the move on Wednesday and have paid tribute to the 32-year-old throughout the day, but there is not a huge sense that he will be missed.
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Mainly because manager Antonio Conte had no uses for him due to the strong form of Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz in a new-look back three.
Regardless of his current importance, Ivanovic, who made close to 400 appearances for the Blues, was part of huge successes at Chelsea, including two Premier League title wins, three FA Cup triumphs, a Europa League win and Champions League glory.
Club captain John Terry knows all too well what it is like to be left out as he has only started four league games this season.
On Wednesday, he took the time out to upload an Instagram post containing some kind words for his former teammate.
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