Soccer: Chelsea release trio after contracts expire

[July 01, 2016]    (Reuters) - Chelsea have opted against renewing contracts for strikers Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato, and goalkeeper Marco Amelia, the Premier League club said on its website (www.chelseafc.com) on Friday.

 Chelsea v Aston Villa - Barclays Premier League - Stamford Bridge - 17/10/15 Chelsea's Marco Amelia warms up before the match Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien Livepic

Colombia's Falcao, who signed on a season-long loan from Monaco last July, netted just once in 12 appearances last season and was sidelined through much of the campaign with a thigh injury.

Brazilian forward Pato joined on loan in January from Corinthians until the end of last season and will leave the club after scoring once in two games.

Italian 34-year-old Amelia, who has never featured for the first team, ends his stay at the club after joining in October 2015 on a free transfer.

All three contracts expired on June 30.

(Reporting by Ian Rodricks in Bengaluru; Editing by John O'Brien)

[© 2016 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2016 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.