BRANISLAV Ivanovic was recognised as one of the Premier League’s best defenders during his time at Chelsea.
He left Stamford Bridge in 2017, but where did he go and what is he doing now?
What happened to Branislav Ivanovic?
Branislav Ivanovic signed for Chelsea from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008, making his Premier League debut at the start of the following season.
Ivanovic introduced himself to the Chelsea faithful the following season, where, in a Champions League Quarter final against Liverpool, the Serbian scored two headed goals that helped Chelsea on their way to a 3-1 victory at Anfield.
He was nicknamed “two goal” because of his exploits that night.
Chelsea won the 2009 FA Cup, but it wasn’t until the following season where Ivanovic became a first team regular.
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In the 2009/10 season, Ivanovic helped The Blues to the Premier league and FA Cup double, featuring in the PFA team of the year for his consistent performances.
2010/11 saw Chelsea fail to regain the title, although Ivanovic was a consistent figure in the team from right back and centre back.
The following season, a thunderous extra-time goal against Napoli helped Chelsea progress to the Champions League Quarter Finals 5-4 on aggregate, after trailing 3-1 from the first leg.
An outstanding defensive performance from Ivanovic helped Chelsea beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate after a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou.
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Despite this, Ivanovic was booked, and therefore suspended for the final, something he only found out when he was told by Geoff Shreeves in an interview after the game.
Ivanovic got over the disappointment by helping Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1 to lift the 2012 FA Cup at Wembley.
He received a Champions League winners medal after Chelsea beat Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena to win their first European Cup.
In the 2012/13 season, Ivanovic was infamously bitten on the arm by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez during a 2-2 draw at Anfield in April. Suarez received a 10 match ban for the incident
The Serbian made his own mark on Chelsea’s European history, in the 2013 Europa League final against Benfica.
With the scores locked at 1-1, Ivanovic looped an injury time header into the top corner to win the cup for The Blues, the first time they had won the trophy.
The 2013/14 season saw Jose Mourinho return to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea failed to bring home any silverware, finishing four points off of eventual champions Manchester City, and losing to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi final.
Silverware returned to the West London club the following season, including a winning goal for Ivanovic in the second leg of the League Cup semi final against liverpool.
Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 in the final for Mourinho’s first trophy of his second spell, and soon after won the Premier League, their first for five years.
Once again a vital player for the club, Ivanovic’s form was recognised by his second inclusion in the PFA team of the year.
The 2015/16 season was a low point in an otherwise great career, with Ivanovic unable to help Chelsea to any silverware or European football for the following season, finishing tenth.
The season also saw the departure of Jose Mourinho. However, Ivanovic did make his 350th appearance for the club against Norwich at Carrow Road that term.
The arrival of Antonio Conte saw Ivanovic’s role limited, as the Italian favoured Victor Moses on the right of defence.
His last game for the club came against Brentford in January 2017, which saw him score and win a penalty on what was a fitting farewell.
Ivanovic returned to Russia, joining Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he stayed for three-and-a-half years and was appointed club captain.
He returned to the Premier League with West Brom for the 2020/21 season, but despite a 5-2 win against Ivanovic’s former club at Stamford Bridge, could not survive relegation.
He retired soon after the end of his contract with The Baggies.
Where is Branislav Ivanovic now?
It is not known what Ivanovic is currently doing, but he has been seen at UEFA Champions League draws, where he has helped with the process on stage.
He has also appeared in a viral video, where he shows off his private trophy room, which includes replicas of all the trophies he won during his stellar career.
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What is Branislav Ivanovic’s net worth?
It cannot be confirmed what his net worth is, but according to Taddlr, Ivanovic is worth in excess of £20million.
During his time at Chelsea, he is thought to have earnt over £100,000 a week.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
