San Diego has lost its football franchise, as the team has confirmed that they will be moving to Los Angeles. 

The Chargers follow in the footsteps of the Rams, who moved from St. Louis to Los Angeles last season. 

In a statement on Thursday afternoon confirming the news, the team's owner Dean Spanos said the decision came "after much deliberation".

"San Diego has been our home for 56 years. It will always be part of our identity, and my family and I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for the support and passion our fans have shared with us over the years."

A letter from Dean Spanos pic.twitter.com/rTNIvrsN1A

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) January 12, 2017

The team, who have already changed their Twitter handle to the Los Angeles Chargers, will be playing in the city from the start of the 2017 season.

The team also updated their logo in the wake of the news, swapping out the usual bolt and integrating into the initials of their new home.