The Spaniard played an integral part in our most recent Premier League triumph, back in 2016/17, shining at left wing-back in his first season at Stamford Bridge. Although his previous experience of English football had been with Bolton and Sunderland, mostly battling relegation, he needed no time adapting to life at a club challenging for honours in different competitions.

After that brilliant title win, the next five years brought success in the FA Cup, Europa League, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup. Alonso could be counted upon to regularly pop up with vital goals or assists.

A fan’s favourite because of his love for the big occasion, Alonso netted iconic late winners against both Tottenham and Arsenal. In all, he scored six of his 29 Chelsea goals against our north London rivals, with a further two strikes at Old Trafford, as well as a stoppage-time winner away to Manchester City.

Deployed at left wing-back for 60 per cent of his 212 appearances, and at left-back for the rest, Alonso was confident in possession, strong in the air and an excellent set-piece taker. His performances for Chelsea earned him a call-up to the Spain squad for the first time in March 2018, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. The youngest Marcos Alonso leaves having represented his country on nine occasions.

A thoughtful and extremely likeable man off the pitch, Alonso was the epitome of suave around Cobham, but it is his impact in the final third that will linger longest in the mind when his six thoroughly successful seasons in SW6 are reflected upon in the years to come.

Everyone at Chelsea Football Club would like to thank Marcos for his service to the Blues and wish him all the very best for the rest of his career.