Premier League side Chelsea confirmed via their official website on Friday that two attackers have been released by the club, meaning they can join a new team despite the close of the January transfer window.

Somalian-born striker Islam Feruz departs Stamford Bridge eight years after his arrival from Celtic in Scotland.

The 23-year-old did not appear for The Blues in an official match and took in loan spells at OFI Crete, Blackpool, Hibernian, Royal Excel Mouscron and Swindon Town.

The first Colombian to play for Chelsea, Joao Rodríguez, has also left permanently,six years after he joined the club from Deportes Quindío in his homeland.

As a result of Rodríguez's failure to be issued a work permit, he was loaned out to Deportes Quindío, Uniautónoma, Bastia, Vitória, Sint-Truiden, Santa Fe, Cortuluá, Tampico Madero and Tenerife during his time at Chelsea.

The 22-year-old has been capped by Colombia at U17 and U20 level.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : Tampico Madero