Through their official webpage, Chelsea announced on Monday afternoon that the club have parted ways with cap-tied England international of Nigerian descent Ross Barkley, with the midfielder's contract terminated by mutual consent.

Barkley is now a free agent and can join a new club even after the close of the summer transfer window this week.

The 28-year-old joined Chelsea from boyhood club Everton in January 2018 and is credited with 100 appearances for the London Blues, scoring twelve goals.

One of the highlights of his career as a Chelsea player was scoring against Manchester United in injury time - a goal that earned Chelsea a share of the spoils.

In search of regular game time, Barkley was loaned out to Aston Villa for the 2020-2021 season.

Afterwards, he returned to Stamford Bridge, making fourteen appearances last term, including four starts.

Barkley was a member of the Chelsea team that won the 2019 Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup in 2021.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com