Chelsea confirmed the news this afternoon that Cesar Azpilicueta is leaving the club.
We’ve heard intense transfer speculation in recent weeks regarding the future of Cesar Azpilicueta, who was entering the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed on Twitter this week that Chelsea would be allowing Azpilicueta to leave on a free transfer and sign for Atletico Madrid.
Now, it’s been confirmed (official website) on Thursday that the Blues club captain is saying his goodbyes to West London.
Azpilicueta has posted an emotional statement on Instagram following 11 fantastic years as a Chelsea player.
We’ve spotted former Blues stars Pedro and Fikayo Tomori both responding in the comment section with the phrase “legend”. Current Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has posted a farewell message, too.
It does feel like the term ‘legend’ is thrown around too loosely in the football community, but it’s not a label that flatters Azpilicueta.
The Spanish defender has been a truly sensational servant to Chelsea during 508 first-team appearances, which is why he deserves all the praise he’s bound to receive in the coming days.
Azpilicueta should reflect on over a decade in England with immense pride.
The versatile defender, who showed his class as a right-back, left-back and centre-back during his long Chelsea career, really did achieve it all in the club’s colours.
He’s got the domestic and European trophy haul that any player would envy, so suspect to see a lot of love from the fanbase directed his way.
On top of his quality as a defender, Azpilicueta has worn the armband with such dignity in the past few years and his leadership will be missed.
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