Saul Niguez has thanked the Chelsea faithful for their support after bidding farewell to the club. 

The Spaniard, 27, joined the Blues on loan from Atletico Madrid at the end of August but found opportunities limited as he struggled to break into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI. 

He made 23 appearances in all competitions, winning the fans over with his desire to succeed and passion for the club.

In a heartfelt farewell posted on social media, he said: "Hello Blues, I’m writing to take my leave of you. I would like to tell you how I felt during this adventure. 

"Things didn’t start well at all. After a long time at home, changing everything wasn’t easy. Little by little, things got better.

"Everything in life serves to improve and learn — and that's what I take from this adventure. 

"I'd like to thank the club for trying to take care of every detail to make me feel at home. 

"I'd also like to give recognition to each worker, thank you. Thank you for making this club much bigger.

"Thanks to all the fans for supporting me through thick and thin. I will be forever grateful." 

Saul switched between central midfield and left wing-back as he fought to convince Tuchel of his value to the side. 

He netted his only Chelsea goal in an FA Cup win at Luton and leaves Stamford Bridge as a Club World Cup winner. 

Saul was also an unused sub as the Blues lost the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals to Liverpool on penalties.

But the Spain international, who won LaLiga with Atletico in 2020-21, will clearly look back on his time in London as a difficult period in his career. 

He added: "Thanks to all the staff for making it possible for me to win titles.

"But above all, I wanted to thank my team-mates. They have been fundamental so that I wouldn’t fall apart. 

"They helped me to continue supporting the team and live a calm and positive day to day. Thank you!"