DONE DEAL: Chelsea Star Set to Join Atletico Madrid

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Chelsea veteran Cesar Azpilicueta is reportedly set to sign with Atletico Madrid on a free transfer.

According to transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are okay with Azpilicueta departing the club out of respect for their captain.

Atletico have seemingly pounced on that opportunity to bolster their defense and add more experience to their squad.

Romano provided the update via Twitter on Friday, June 30, the day on which the Spaniard’s contract expired.

He wrote:

“César Azpilicueta to Atlético Madrid, here we go! Agreement in place over two-year contract. Azpi will sign until June 2025.

“Chelsea will let him leave as free agent, matter of respect for former captain. Documents will be ready soon. Exclusive news, confirmed.”

Azpilicueta, who turns 34 in August this year, will join Los Rojiblancos after repeatedly being linked with their rivals Barcelona last summer.

The versatile defender notably endured a down 2022-23 season, starting only 19 matches across competitions. Overall, he made 32 appearances across competitions and recorded no goals or assists, with Chelsea keeping nine clean sheets in those games.

Regardless, Azpilicueta will leave Stamford Bridge as a bonafide legend. The Spaniard, who arrived from Olympique Marseille in 2012, made 508 appearances across competitions for the team, recording 17 goals and 56 assists.

He lifted two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two UEFA Europa League titles and the UEFA Super Cup. Azpilicueta also won an FA Cup, Carabao Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with the Blues.

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