“Having started his career in the lower tiers of French football – and even spending several months without a club – Mendy rose to the pinnacle of European football with Chelsea,” a statement on Chelsea's website said.

"A hugely likeable character on and off the pitch, he will always have a place in our history for his significant contributions to our 2021 Champions League triumph.

"For that, and for everything else, we are grateful. Good luck, Edou!"

Mendy helped Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League in 2021, but played only once for the club after returning from the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year.

Mendy joins former FIFA World Cup winner N'Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly in swapping Stamford Bridge for clubs in the Saudi Pro League, with the pair having joined Al Ittihad and Al Hilal SFC respectively.

Ronaldo's former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema has joined Kante at Al Ittihad after the France striker surprisingly opted to quit the Spanish giants.

Last week, Ruben Neves, the 26-year-old Portuguese international, left Wolves for Al Hilal.