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Watch Branislav Ivanovic score in potentially final Chelsea game

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea scores his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea scores his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on January 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /
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If Branislav Ivanovic is leaving Chelsea this January, he is going out in style. Watch the Serbian score in the Blues’ 4-0 FA Cup win.

Chelsea steamed through Brentford on Saturday afternoon, scoring four goals to progress in the FA Cup. Branislav Ivanovic came on during the second half and bagged a goal as he potentially said farewell to Stamford Bridge.

A quick counter-attack was finished by the man who instigated it. Having come on as a right wingback, the Serbian powered down the right flank to get on the end of Pedro’s pass. Some may argue that the Brentford goalkeeper should have done better, but who really cares?

Ivanovic has been heavily linked with a Chelsea departure in recent days. A free transfer to Zenit St Petersburg is reportedly on the cards, as are loan moves to Everton and West Brom. He seems set to leave the club this January, making this FA Cup tie his last game in a Chelsea shirt.

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If he does leave in this window, there is arguably no more apt way to go out. Ivanovic has scored a fair few goals for the Blues over his nine or so years here (over 30) and he added to his tally with another right-footed strike.

In fact, many fans on Twitter saw this game as reason for keeping him on. The defender looked solid, albeit against a weak Brentford side, while playing both at wingback and in the middle. That sort of versatility could be key as the season reaches its business end.

Chelsea do indeed have depth given that Nathan Ake is back and Kurt Zouma is fit again. This is where the decision is difficult. Although Ivanovic offers a solution in two roles, is he a better option that Ake or Zouma?

Hence, it all hinges on whether the player wants to stay. If Ivanovic is happy sitting on the sidelines and cheering his teammates on, then he should be allowed to hang about.

What do you think? Do you want to see Ivanovic sticking around? Let us know below!

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