Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has ended his trophy-laden 11 years at the club after signing a one-year deal at Atletico Madrid.
Azpilicueta appeared in 508 games for Chelsea and won nine trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup.
“Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea as a warrior, as a champion, and as a loyal Chelsea legend,” said the club’s co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali in a statement.
“He has set the standards at the club for more than a decade and demonstrated to everyone what is required day in, day out to achieve success.”
We are bidding an emotional farewell to a Chelsea great.
Thank you for everything, @CesarAzpi. 💙 pic.twitter.com/wHDcALJX5m
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 6, 2023
Azpilicueta won the Premier League championship under Jose Mourinho and then Antonio Conte, becoming a fan favourite for his work ethic and versatility.
His final season at Stamford Bridge was however a difficult one.
The last time Chelsea finished lower than 12th in the Premier League was in 1994.
“It’s difficult to express with words what I feel,” said Azpilicueta in a video posted on Chelsea’s social media accounts.
“It’s been incredible. Just thank you to everyone because it couldn’t happen without the help of a lot of people. What a journey!”
He won it all. 👏 pic.twitter.com/kWhrEO3zZd
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 6, 2023
The 33-year-old, who began his career with Osasuna before joining Chelsea from Marseille, has signed a one-year contract with Atletico Madrid.
“Cesar Azpilicueta is a new Atletico Madrid player after an agreement reached between our club and the footballer from Navarra, who will sign for one year,” Atletico said in a statement.
🆕 @CesarAzpi is a new rojiblanco player! 🔴⚪
🖊 The Spanish international has signed for one season with our club!
👋 Welcome, Azpilicueta! 🤗 pic.twitter.com/l64vwwJYX1
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 6, 2023
