Chelsea's decision to sell Romelu Lukaku to Everton in a club-record £28 million deal earlier this summer has caused a mixed reaction among the Blues' fan-base, with some glad to see the Belgian striker go due to his perceived poor attitude and others aghast that their club have decided to sell a player with such big potential. Lukaku only made 10 Premier League appearances for Chelsea during a disappointing three-year spell that saw the forward loaned out for two whole campaigns to West Brom and Everton. But he excelled at the Hawthorns and Goodison Park, respectively, scoring 17 and then 15 league goals during each of his two temporary spells away from Stamford Bridge. And if the forward does continue to flourish away from SW6, he wouldn't be the first to do so. The Blues have sold a high volume of players over the years only to see them shine in pastures new, and lament letting them go in the first place. The club's transfer policy of buying in mega-stars of the game has delighted fans in the past, but their worrying penchant for letting other future gems slip through their fingers has similarly left them frustrated. With that in mind, here we take a look at some of the stars who have gone on to eke out brilliant careers away from the Bridge following their sale or release by the club. Here are 5 Players Who Flourished After Leaving Chelsea. Click 'next' to begin.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
