Hulk and Axel Witsel led the well wishes to coach Andre Villas-Boas as he bids farewell to Zenit.

Villas-Boas announced in September that he would be departing the club at the end of the Russian Premier League season, which concluded Saturday.

Zenit overcame CSKA Moscow to win the Russian Cup this month but was unable to prevent Leonid Slutsky's team deposing it as league champion.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Villas-Boas had been linked with the coaching positions at Marseille and Valencia, but confirmed in April he will be taking a year off.

Hulk — Zenit's leading scorer during the Russian Premier League title triumph under Villas-Boas in 2014-15 — thanked the Portuguese in an Instagram post.

"I wish you good health, peace and success. I was fortunate to work with you and know you. Thanks for everything," he wrote.

Witsel also paid homage to the outgoing Villas-Boas.

"One of the best coaches I've worked with. I have learned many thing and it's been a pleasure to play under your management. I wish you all the best in the future," the Belgian posted on Instagram.

The former Tottenham boss delivered a parting message to the Zenit players, thanking them for their comments.

"The biggest reward for a football coach is to be recognized by his own players," Villas-Boas wrote on Facebook. "Nothing compares to the feeling that in some way we have made them better. Thank you all."