With No Massive Send-Off, Chelsea Legend Exits for Russia

Branislav Ivanović, the Serbian born defender who can play at either centre back or at wing back was a dynamic but often overlooked force on both ends of the pitch for Chelsea during his 9 year spell with the club. He leaves the club for Russian Premier League side Zenit St. Petersburg.

After arriving to the club in 2007, Ivanović was a regular in the first team rotation during what may have been the most successful 10 years that the club has ever had. Ivanović was known as a fierce defender who would swiftly move in on tackles with both speed and power. In addition Ivanović was known to press forward into the box where he was a dynamic aerial threat, as well as a creative passer. He will leave as one of the clubs more decorated players with 9 major trophies. Including two league cups, three FA cups, one Community Shield, a league cup, and of course the two major European championships with the 2012 Champions League trophy and the 2013 Europa Championship.

Ivanović finishes his Chelsea career with 377 Caps for the senior club. Long time club captain John Terry called Ivanović a “legend” and had this to say about his departure,

“Unbelievable defender for us over the years and a great and big character and presence in the dressing room.”

This quiet, transfer deadline announcement is quite different then the send off that other Chelsea players of the past regime had. When Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard departed the club in recent years, they were given massive farewell’s by the club. Yet Ivanović was never someone who begged for the spotlight while playing here, so it’s not surprising to see him depart in a similar fashion.

Tags: Soccer, Sports, Chelsea