Azpilicueta parts ways with Chelsea
There is surprising news, what is it? "Azpilicueta parted ways with Chelsea", Cesar Azpilicueta has officially left Chelsea after 11 seasons with the English Premier League club.
 |
| César Azpilicueta leaves Chelsea after 11 years (Photo: foxsports.com) |
Azpilicueta has been a mainstay of Chelsea since he arrived from Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille in 2012, making more than 500 appearances in all competitions, scoring 17 goals, providing 56 assists, and winning every major title with the English club.
Chelsea is everything to Azpilicueta
"It's difficult to express my feelings, my time here has been incredible," Azpilicueta said in his farewell video posted on Chelsea's official website.
"I feel like I've given everything. I like it."
Azpilicueta mentioned that the best moment of his career was winning the Champions League with Chelsea.
Also read: After receiving PSG's ultimatum, Mbappe played against Cameroon's 2nd Division side.
"It's very clear that the best moment of my career was winning the Champions League at Porto. My first trophy as captain."
"Chelsea is my home, it will always be my home and I hope to come back again in a different role."
Todd Boehly, Chelsea's American owner, called Cesar Azpilicueta a club legend and has left a lasting mark on the club.
"Cesar left a lasting mark on Chelsea, as a fighter, as a champion, and as a loyal Chelsea legend," Chelsea owner Todd Boehly said in a statement on the club's official website.
"He has set the standard at the club for over a decade and shown everyone what to do to achieve success."
The 33-year-old Spain defender is expected to join La Liga side Atletico Madrid on a free transfer after Chelsea agreed to release him despite having 12 months left on his contract.
With Chelsea, Azpilicueta won the Champions League, two Premier Leagues, two Europa League trophies, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
He becomes the latest Chelsea player to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window, including Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, and Edouard Mendy who have all joined the Saudi Arabian club.
Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, and Mason Mount joined Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United respectively.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has so far brought in two new players namely Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, and new tactician Mauricio Pochettino.