The 33-year-old Tiago Mendes was part of Jose Mourinho’s title-winning squad in 2004-05 and has a Premier League medal to his name. With Mourinho back at the helm at Stamford Bridge, Tiago was expected to move to London on a free since his contract expired at the end of last season with Atletico Madrid.

However, the midfielder has opted to extend his stay with the La Liga champions for a further two years. He had other offers from foreign countries but chose to remain in Spain with Atletico, according to a report fromtalkSPORT.

He said, “The club offered me the chance to renew my contract. I felt proud because we had had an incredible season, but I had thought it was the right time for the cycle to come to an end.”

He added, “I have been offered the chance to play in various international leagues and have taken some time to evaluate my options during the summer, but my final decision became clearer, and Atletico was the only option.”

Chelsea could have done with the experience of Tiago but I think they will get by when they have several World Cup, Champions League, La Liga and Premiership winners to rely on so things really should be covered in the experience department.