10 Shocking Chelsea Departures That Nobody Expected

9. Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink

In a way to shake the very equilibrium of Stamford Bridge upon his arrival, Jose Mourinho decided on upgrades in almost every facet. If the club were to challenge for league titles and make a push on a European front, they needed to upscale. However, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink had been a favourite at Stamford Bridge, scoring 87 goals in four seasons at the club. For Mourinho, there was no room for sentiment, however, and there was a £24 million-rated man at Marseille who would be leading the line at the start of the 04/05 season. What was particularly surprising about Hasselbaink€™s departure from Stamford Bridge, however, was his destination. It€™s not as if he his Chelsea career had petered out, with the 32 year old Dutchman still managing to bag a respectable 12 league goals in 30 appearances for the Blues. So, when he linked up with Steve McClaren at Middlesbrough, there were certainly a few puzzled looks cast up north, wondering how the Teeside outfit had managed to lure a player of his talents.

''I۪m very excited, very pleased to get this opportunity. I heard about Middlesbrough۪s interest a few weeks ago and straight away I was interested. I can۪t wait to start. Chelsea is a very special club for me. I have many friends there, I left on good terms and wish them the best, but it is time for me to go and I hope they wish me the best as well. I hope they do well - just not when they play against Middlesbrough.۪۪ - Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, July 2004.