Done Deal: Azpilicueta joins Atletico Madrid on a one-year deal
La Liga side Atletico Madrid have announced the signing of Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta on a one-year deal.
The former Chelsea captain had a year left on his contract with the Blues but was given permission to leave on a free transfer as he returns to Spain, where he began his career with Osasuna.
The 33-year-old joined Chelsea from French giants Marseille in the summer of 2012, and he went on to make 508 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Azpilicueta scored 17 goals and provided 57 assists in eleven years for the Blues, winning every club competition available during the period. He departs Chelsea having won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup, FA Cup, League Cup, and Club World Cup.
The Spaniard, who came into West London as a 23-year-old relatively unknown footballer, departs as a Chelsea legend to reunite with Portuguese star Joao Felix, whom he played with over the last six months following the latter’s loan move to England.
The departing defender sent an emotional farewell message to Chelsea fans around the world earlier in the day, thanking them for their support over the years and wishing them well in their future endeavors.
“I’d like to say so many things, but I’m going to keep it short.
“I want to say every time you are part of this club you give your best. That’s how I learned to be part of Chelsea.
“The demands are really high, the commitment to the club, to the fans, every single day, even in tough moments when maybe it’s easier to go down a different path.
“That’s the moment to show the personality, the soul of the club, all together, pushing in the same direction.
“I know Chelsea will be back where it should be.”
Azpilicueta becomes the newest victim of Chelsea’s clear out under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, following the sale of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, and Edouard Mendy.
He becomes Atletico’s third summer signing after Turkish defender Caglar Soyuncu and Spanish left back Javi Garlan.
