JOHN TERRY paid tribute to Branislav Ivanovic after it emerged the defender did not have time to say goodbye to all of his Chelsea team-mates.
Ivanovic had to fly out to St Petersburg on Tuesday for a medical ahead of signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the option of a third year.
That meant the Serbian international only had time to bid farewell to some of his Blues team-mates and staff before completing the deal.
Chelsea skipper Terry posted on Instagram: “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.”
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Ivanovic agreed the deal to join the Russian club on Tuesday night and signed in time to register for their Europa League squad.
He will now travel to Spain to meet up with his Zenit team-mates at their winter training camp.
After being a key member of the Chelsea set-up since arriving in 2008, the new style of play has seen players such as Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso thrive, with Ivanovic demoted to a bench role.
Since joining the Blues, Ivanovic has amassed 376 appearances - including 261 in the league - netting 34 times.
The Serbian defender won two Premier League titles - in 2008-09 and 2014-15 - to go with three FA Cups, one League Cup, the Community Shield, Champions League and Europa League.
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