Fernando Torres has ended his Chelsea career after securing a two-year loan deal to Italian giants AC Milan.
Torres, 30, had two years left on his Chelsea contract and so ends his time at Stamford BrIdge.
He arrived in Januray 2011 in a English record deal that saw £50million head up North to Liverpool.
With Jose Mourinho deciding that Torres was surplus to requirements, the Spain forward was courted by Atletico Madrid and Milan.
While a sentimental journey back to his first club would have been his first choice, the Spanish league champions could not afford his £170,000 a week wages.
Milan wanted Chelsea to stump up £2m to assist a smooth transition out of SW6 to Italy, a sum they were unwilling to make.
With both clubs eventually reaching an agreement, Torres now has to secure personal terms with Milan, but what is sure is that Chelsea will be seeking urgently for a new number nine.
Diego Costa is first choice with Didier Drogba signed in the summer as a back-up hit man. Whoever is drafted into cover for the loss of Torres will have to accept a battle for a second striker berth with Drogba - a task that will put off a number of available top class strikers.