Chelsea fans have reacted as 'cult hero' Olivier Giroud has confirmed on social media that he has left the club to join Serie A side AC Milan.
Giroud has signed a two year contract with a further option of another year at the Rossoneri, should Stefano Poli's side want to exercise the option to keep the veteran striker at the club longer than his initial stay.
The striker was pictured in Milan on Thursday ahead of medical checks which have taken place on Friday at the Milanello training ground on Friday.
football.london understands that the deal for the Frenchman is worth £2million plus significant add-ons.
Giroud signed for the Blues in the 2018 January transfer window from London rivals Arsenal, in a deal totalling around £15.3million.
Since moving to Stamford Bridge, Giroud has played under multiple managers including Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri, Frank Lampard and most recently Thomas Tuchel, scoring 39 goals in all competitions in a Chelsea jersey.
He has also won three trophies since signing for the club, with last season's UEFA Champions League the standout out of the titles in his personal trophy cabinet.
Most Chelsea fans will remember the 34-year-old best for his contributions to the 18/19 Europa League success under Sarri, where Giroud scored the opening goal in the 4-1 thrashing of his old club Arsenal in the final.
As he prepares for new adventures in Italy, the ex-Gunners striker took to social media to thank Blues fans for their support over the years that he has been at the club.
His tweet read: "To all the Blues, to my teammates, to all my coaches, to the whole club, a huge thank you for these special moments.
"I'm starting a new journey with a light and happy heart. Our victories in Fa Cup, Europa League and Champions league have been magnificent.
"Love Oli G."
This is how a select number of Chelsea fans reacted to the 34-year-old's beautifully constructed message on his personal social media.
@CFCDUBois said: "Thanks for everything Olivier, we are so grateful for your service at the club. You’ll leave as a cult hero and we will miss your important goals and incredible professionalism. Once a blue, always a blue."
@Willreyner jokingly put: "As a wise man once said “thank you Arsenal."
"All the best Oli."
@LDNFootball tweeted: "Good luck, Oli. Forever a Chelsea cult hero."
@chriswrightzz replied: "Thank you for the memories Oli! Best of luck!"
@alexilic_ stated: "one of the most underrated Chelsea players in our history- so many special moments we won’t ever forget and will forever be in our history.
"You came, you saw & you most definitely conquered.
"Thank you Oli."
@TimeLEG_ZW emotionally put: "I'm emotional right now. Cheers Oli.
"All the best in Italy big man.
"Thanks for everything. You will always have a special spot in our hearts. Love you"
@eli_helenek's message also reflected the emotional undertone that was evident amongst the majority of Chelsea fans' replies to Giroud's social media farewell message.
She put: "We love you!!!!!
"Best of luck in your new adventure."
