Crespo released from Chelsea deal

Hernan Crespo has spent the past two seasons on loan at Inter Milan

Striker Hernan Crespo has officially left Chelsea after the Argentine's contract at Stamford Bridge expired.

Crespo, 33 on Saturday, joined Chelsea in 2003 and scored 10 league goals in his first season for the Blues.

But he never settled at the London club and was loaned to Italian side AC Milan a year later.

Crespo returned to win the Premier League title in 2005/06 but was soon back in Italy and has spent the past two seasons on loan at Inter Milan.

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Crespo is now a free agent and following former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's appointment as Inter coach, he is reportedly keen to sign a permanent deal with the Italian champions.

Crespo was one of the first signings made by Claudio Ranieri after Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.

"We thank Hernan for his efforts in a Chelsea shirt, and wish him well in the future," said a Chelsea statement.