Atlético Madrid signs ex-Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta for a season
César Azpilicueta Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
Spanish international César Azpilicueta has made a move to Atlético Madrid for one season after an eleven-year tenure at Chelsea.
The center-back, originally from Pamplona, will join the squad at the beginning of the 23/24 preseason commencing Friday, July 7.
The versatile 33-year-old defender, comfortable in the central and right-back positions, carries with him a wealth of experience in international football and proven leadership skills that were particularly honed during his tenure at Chelsea where he served as team captain.
Azpilicueta kick-started his career at CA Osasuna's youth academy and made his professional debut at the age of 17 in the 2006/07 season.
After clocking over a hundred appearances across four seasons for Osasuna's first team, he moved to Olympique de Marseille.
Despite his youth, Azpilicueta displayed remarkable maturity on the field, helping the French club secure two Coupe de la Ligue and two French Super Cups across his 68-match tenure.
Joining Chelsea in the 2012/13 season, he made 508 appearances for the English side and won a slew of club titles including the EFL Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, two UEFA Europa League titles, and two Premier League titles.
In an emotional farewell message, Azpilicueta expressed gratitude to Chelsea, stating, "I’d like to say so many things, but I’m going to keep it short. I want to say every time you are part of this club you give your best. That’s how I learned to be part of Chelsea."
He also made a poignant appeal to the fans, "Keep supporting the team, the club you love. You are the soul of the club. Keep going."
