Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has joined Russian Premier League side Zenit St Petersburg for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half year deal. The Stamford bridge club made the disclosure on its social media platforms moments ago.

 

A photo posted by Chelsea FC – Official (@chelseafc) on Feb 1, 2017 at 5:24am PST

“Goodbye to a true Chelsea legend. Branislav Ivanovic has today joined Zenit St Petersburg following a wonderful nine-year Chelsea career,” Chelsea posted on its official Instagram account. Serb Ivanovic, 32, joined the Blues in January 2008 from Lokomotiv Moscow and played 377 times for the club. He won the Champions League, Premier League twice, FA Cup three times and League Cup, and scored the winning goal in the 2013 Europa League final. However, he had only started six Premier League games this season. Ivanovic, who was set to be out of contract at the end of the season, scored for the club in his final appearance, Saturday’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Brentford. Even though the English transfer window closed on Tuesday, Premier League clubs can sell to teams in countries whose window remains open, such as Russia.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s captain, John Terry has wished Ivanovic good luck as he moves to Russia.

Terry took to his Instagram account after the deal was sealed and wrote, “Absolutely gutted to see Brana leave @chelseafc. An unbelievable defender for us over the years and a great and BIG character and presence in the dressing room.
Good Luck mate Won everything at Chelsea and a proper LEGEND.