On Sunday at Stamford Bridge, Michael Emenalo was sat behind the dugout, seen smiling and laughing with David Luiz ahead of kick-off.
Only the future of dropped Luiz was in doubt at the time. As it turns out, the focus should have been on the man in the blue Chelsea coat and smart suit instead.
This is an exit which will satisfy the 'Emenalo Out' brigade but one which will hit Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich hard.
The Russian was an ally.