Cesar Azpilicueta: Chelsea Captain Joins Atletico Madrid
Chelsea's captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, has left the club after spending 11 successful years there.
Chelsea's captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, has left the club after spending 11 successful years there. The 33-year-old Spanish defender has joined Atletico Madrid on a one-year contract. During his time at Chelsea, Azpilicueta won numerous trophies, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Azpilicueta expressed his emotions, saying it's hard to put into words how he feels, but he described his experience at Chelsea as incredible. He mentioned the highest point of his career was winning the Champions League as the team's captain. He holds a special place for Chelsea and hopes to return in a different role in the future.
Before joining Chelsea, Azpilicueta played for Osasuna and Marseille. He scored 17 goals in 508 appearances for Chelsea and became the captain in 2019, succeeding Gary Cahill. He is one of only six players who have won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. He also holds the club record for appearing in 13 cup finals.
Having represented Spain 44 times, Azpilicueta remained a constant figure at Chelsea throughout the club's turbulent decade, witnessing several managerial changes and ownership transitions. He won the Premier League under Jose Mourinho in 2015 and again with Antonio Conte in 2017. He was also the second Chelsea captain to lift the Champions League trophy in 2021.
Although there were rumors linking him to Barcelona, Azpilicueta signed a new two-year contract with Chelsea in August 2022. However, he has now become the latest senior player to leave the club during the summer under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, alongside other notable departures such as Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic.
Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and N'Golo Kante have also departed Chelsea to play in the Saudi Pro League.
What's Your Reaction?
