The Brazilian, who scored a famous goal against Barcelona en route to our first Champions League trophy in 2012, made the announcement on his personal Instagram account having most recently been with Brazilian side Palmeiras.

Having given the Blues nearly six years of service after signing in 2010, the midfielder won every major honour, which included a Premier League title, the Champions League (although he was suspended for the final) and the Europa League, and both English domestic cups.

He clocked up a mammoth 251 appearances in a Chelsea shirt, scoring 34 times.

Ramires released the following on his Instagram page on Wednesday evening…

‘After some time of reflection, I would like to announce that I have decided to officially end my career as a professional football player,’ the post reads.

‘At this point, I can only thank God first as he has trained and led me to the highest levels that sport can offer. Thank you very much also to all the clubs I've passed: Palmeiras, Benfica, Chelsea, Cruzeiro, Jiangsu and Joinville Esporte Clube.

‘I will always carry you and your fans in my heart. Gratitude also to the Brazilian National Football Team who provided me the pleasure of playing in two World Cups, which was the realisation of a dream.

‘I am thankful also to all the teammates, staff, coaches and managers that I had the pleasure of working with. To my relatives, mother, children, brothers and true friends, thank you so much for being by my side unconditionally all these years, vibrating for each achievement of mine as if it were yours, which has always been my greatest strength and motivation,’ the post continues.

‘I'm going to go in other directions, but with the same happiness and courage I've had since I was a child, when, against all expectations, I left my city in the interior of Rio de Janeiro to win the world.

‘Thanks for everything, football!’

Good luck and enjoy your retirement, Ramires!