Blues bid farewell to Anelka

Chelsea have offered their best wishes to Nicolas Anelka after confirming that the Frenchman has left the club to start a new adventure in Asia.

With the winter transfer window having swung open on New Year's Day, Anelka has officially departed Stamford Bridge for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.

The 32-year-old handed in a transfer request at the start of December, with first-team opportunities proving to be thin on the ground.

His wish was granted and a deal with Shanghai was struck later in the month.

Anelka heads for pastures new after four years in West London, during which time he made 184 appearances and scored 59 goals.