OFFICIAL: Cesar Azpilicueta joins Atletico Madrid on free transfer

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta departs club after 11 years of service.

The 33-year-old defender will join Atletico Madrid on a free transfer and has signed a one-year contract.

He has made 500 appearances for the Blues, scoring 17 goals and has won every major accolade available including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

The veteran defender enjoyed a lot of success with the Blues and leaves a lasting legacy.

Azpilicueta was targetted by Barcelona last summer but the defender decide to extend his contract.

“Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea, as a warrior, as a champion, and as loyal Chelsea legend,” Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman, and Behdad Eghbali, co-controlling owner, told the club’s website.

“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. For that and so much more, Cesar will always be welcomed back at Stamford Bridge.”

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