Chelsea farewell Anelka

Chelsea have paid tribute to departing striker Nicolas Anelka, who is leaving the club to join Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.

The 32-year-old put in a transfer request to leave Stamford Bridge, and had been linked with a move to Montreal Impact and West Ham United.

But he eventually signed with the Asian side instead, amid reports he would receive wages of around 200,000 pounds per week.

“Chelsea Football Club would like to express our thanks and best wishes to Nicolas Anelka who today leaves us to join Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua,” a statement on the club’s website read.

“As well as finishing as the club’s top scorer in two of his three full seasons at the club, the Frenchman departs Stamford Bridge having won the Barclays Premier League as well as two FA Cups.”

Chelsea was Anelka’s fifth club in the Premier League having previously played for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers.

Anelka arrived at Stamford Bridge as former boss Avram Grant’s first signing in January 2008, and went on to make 184 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 59 goals.