Antonio Conte hinted as much, but Branislav Ivanovic has cleared his training ground locker at Chelsea.
The Blues boss said he can’t promise the Serbian international game time, and therefore a nine-year career in SW6 is about to be swapped for a transfer to Zenit St. Petersburg on a free transfer.
Ivanovic has made 376 appearances notching 34 goals – with the last almost certainly in Saturday’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Brentford.
The Serbian is out of contract in the summer, so any deal now makes sound business sense at Stamford Bridge and allows a legend to leave on his terms.
During his time with the west London club Ivanovic has picked up a host of major honours including: two Premier League winner's medals, three FA Cups and European success in the Champions League and Europa League.
He apparently landed in St Petersburg at 2pm ahead of talks with the Russian club.
