Atletico Madrid signs Chelsea 'legend' Azpilicueta
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Azpilicueta appeared in 508 games for Chelsea, winning nine trophies including the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup.
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Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta shoots a shot during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Southampton at the Stamford Bridge stadium in London, on February 18, 2023 (AP)
Cesar Azpilicueta's 11-year stint with Chelsea ended on Thursday, with the Spanish defender returning home to join Atletico Madrid.
Azpilicueta appeared in 508 games for Chelsea, winning nine trophies including the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup.
The club's co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali released a statement saying that "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."
Azpilicueta won the Premier League under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, becoming a fan favorite. However, his final season at Stamford Bridge proved challenging with Chelsea finishing 12th in the Premier League, the lowest place since 1994.
In a video posted to Chelsea's social media accounts, Azpilicueta said it is "difficult" to express his feelings with words, recalling that "it's been incredible. Just thank you to everyone because it couldn't happen without the help of a lot of people. What a journey!"
The 33-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Marseille and began his career with Osasuna, has agreed to a one-year contract with Atletico Madrid.
