By Taiwo Ibrahim
Chelsea have confirmed the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta after 11 years of meritorious service at Stamford Bridge, Sportivationng.com reports.
Azpilicueta joined Chelsea in 2012 from Marseille in a deal worth £7m.
The Spanish defender has won all the available trophies since joining the Blues.
The Blues announced on their website that the 33-year-old has ended his association with the club.
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
“It is difficult to express how I feel, it has been incredible,” he said.
Azpilicueta added: “I feel I gave everything. I love it.
“I think it would be pretty obvious to pick the highest moment of my career, when we won the Champions League in Porto. It was my first trophy as captain.
He won it all. 👏 pic.twitter.com/kWhrEO3zZd
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 6, 2023
“Chelsea is my home, it always will be and hopefully I can come back in a different role.”
Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman, and Behdad Eghbali, co-controlling owner, said: ‘Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea, as a warrior, as a champion, and as a 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.”
https://youtu.be/YKrlKAFGLQo
The 33-year-old scored 17 goals in 508 appearances for Chelsea.
Azpilicueta one of just six players to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup. His 13 major cup final appearances for Chelsea is also a club record.
He is expected to join Atletico Madrid on a two-year deal.
