06 July 2023 , 13:55
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Cesar Azpilicueta has said a tearful farewell to Chelsea and confirmed his move to Atletico Madrid.
The Spaniard will bring the curtain down on 11 years at Stamford Bridge having arrived as a relatively unknown name from Marseille for just £7m. Azpilicueta has gone on to claim every honour possible whilst in west London - the only player in the club's history to do so.
The 33-year-old has decided now is the right time to wave goodbye to the club as they undergo a huge turnover of players, but his emotional attachment to the club is clear for all to see as he prepares to depart after more than 500 appearances in blue.
Azpiliceuta, who began tearing up immediately in the video, said: "It is difficult to express with words what I feel. It has been incredible and just thank you, to everyone. This is my home and I hope to see everybody back here one day."
The versatile defender arrived 12 months after the club's Champions League success and had to assert himself in a dressing room that included leaders like Petr Cech, John Terry and Frank Lampard. "The dressing room was full of club legends, football legends. I knew I had to work for my place," admitted Azpilicueta.
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Azpilicueta has agreed a one-year deal with La Liga giants Atletico, returning to Spain after starting out at Osasuna.
His departure leaves new boss Mauricio Pochettino looking for a new skipper after the Spaniard had donned the armband. During Azpiliceuta's first year the club claimed the Europa League with victory over Benfica before winning the tournament again six years later in Baku.
In between that the Spaniard played in a variety of positions in a back four and a back three. His first Premier League title came during Jose Mourinho's second tenure in 2015 before he won a second two years later under Antonio Conte. The Italian also led Chelsea when Azpilicueta won his one and only FA Cup.
Champions League success came in 2021 with the Spaniard starting as part of a back three. He then went on to celebrate successes in the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup just months later.
Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman, and Behdad Eghbali, co-controlling owner, told the club's website : "Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea, as a warrior, as a champion, and as loyal Chelsea legend. 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.
"Coaches and teammates past and present have trusted him to lead by example as captain. He has done so immaculately on and off the pitch, something for which we are grateful. For that and so much more, Cesar will always be welcomed back at Stamford Bridge."