Cesar Azpilicueta Leaves Chelsea After 11 Years for Atletico Madrid
Cesar Azpilicueta was in floods of tears as he said goodbye to Chelsea after 11 years with the club. The Blues captain is departing Stamford Bridge to join Atletico Madrid on a free transfer after Chelsea agreed to terminate his contract early.
Azpilicueta signed for the west London club in 2012 and was handed the armband in 2019 following the departure of Gary Cahill. He skippered his side to Champions League glory in 2021 and the Club World Cup a year later, as well as two Premier League titles, two Europa League titles, two League Cups and the FA Cup. He played 508 games in total, ranking him sixth in the club’s all-time appearance list.
The 33-year-old posted a highly emotional video on the club’s Twitter page where he struggled to get through his message without choking up, saying: ‘It’s difficult to express with words what I feel. It has been incredible. And just, thank you to everyone, because it couldn’t have happened without the help of a lot of people. What a journey.’
He also posted an emotional message on his own Twitter account where he paid tribute to all the managers he had worked under at Chelsea, from Roberto Di Matteo to Graham Potter.
Azpilicueta’s Farewell Message to Chelsea Fans
The versatile defender took to social media to express his gratitude to Chelsea fans for their unwavering support during his 11-year stint at the club. He said: ‘This is my home and I hope to see everybody here back one day. The love they have showed me every single time is something that I’m really proud of, and hopefully we can keep this relationship forever.
‘I’m leaving Chelsea after 11 years. I could not imagine myself here today but, you know, thank you very much. I’ve been really proud defending this badge on and off the pitch. It has been my life. On the pitch, all the moments that we have shared with teammates, staff, managers. When I see my first time here at the Bridge and I had the introduction to the fans, and the last game is quite the journey. I couldn’t imagine to be the captain of this football club. I feel like I gave everything. I love it.
‘When I arrived, I arrived to Champions League winners. The dressing room was full of club legends, football legends. I knew that I had to work for my place. For me, it’s very important to go in good terms with the club, with the new ownership. I’m grateful for them, for having honest conversation and for showing my the respect. Chelsea is my home. It always will be.
‘Hopefully I can come back one day here to say a proper goodbye to all of you. Keep supporting the team, the club that you love. You are the soul of the club. Keep going. I love you all.’
Azpilicueta’s Legacy at Chelsea
Azpilicueta leaves Chelsea as one of their most decorated players of all time, having won an impressive haul of silverware during his 11-year stint at Stamford Bridge. He was also a hugely popular figure among fans and teammates alike, and will be remembered fondly by everyone associated with the club for years to come.
The Spaniard will now embark on a new challenge at Atletico Madrid, where he will be hoping to add more trophies to his collection as he enters the twilight years of his career. He leaves Chelsea with their best wishes and thanks for his immense contribution over the past 11 years.