Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has officially completed his move to Russian Premier League side Zenit St. Peterbsburg on a free transfer, it has been confirmed.
The 32-year-old’s nine year spell at the West London club finally comes to an end, leaving behind plenty of great memories between the Blues and the big Serbian.
Ivanovic completed his medical at Zenit today signing a two-and-a-half year contract with the club. Chelsea allowed the player exit on a free transfer since his contract was set to end at the end of the season.
He was signed from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in the summer of 2008, and it didn’t take long for him to adapt into England’s physical style of play. Over the time he has made an astounding 376 appearances for the Blues scoring 34 goals to his name.
Some of his greatest achievements as a Blue have come away from the domestic competitions – a Champions League brace against Liverpool away, an extra-time winning goal against Napoli which led the club to their first ever Champions League trophy in 2012, and the winning goal on injury time to seal Chelsea the Europa League trophy a year later.
Ivanovic will be leaving Stamford Bridge having won the Premier League twice, three FA Cup trophies, one League Cup and a Community Shield triumph, and of course, the great European elite victories of the Champions League and the Europa League.
Best of luck for the future, Brana! You will always be remembered as a great club legend among the Chelsea fans.
