Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta set to join Atletico Madrid after huge U-turn as Blues ‘refuse to demand transfer fee’
CESAR AZPILICUETA is set to leave Chelsea for Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
As revealed by SunSport earlier this week, the Blues captain will be allowed to depart on a free transfer.
APCesar Azpilicueta is leaving Chelsea after over 500 appearances for the Blues[/caption]
Azpilicueta, 33, has a year remaining on his contract in West London.
But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that he is on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid.
The full-back will pen a two-year deal with Diego Simeone’s side.
Azpilicueta’s transfer sees him return to LaLiga 13 years after leaving boyhood club Osasuna.
He left Spain for Marseille in 2010 before joining Chelsea two years later.
The 5ft 10in ace has made a huge impact in West London, making 508 Chelsea appearances.
With the Blues Azpilicueta won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and two Europa Leagues.
He succeeded Gary Cahill as captain in 2019 and was the skipper to lift Chelsea’s second Champions League.
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GettyAzpilicueta, 33, lifted the Champions League as skipper in 2021[/caption]
Azpilicueta played under 10 different managers at Stamford Bridge, winning Prem titles under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
He will now hope to add a LaLiga triumph to his extensive list of honours.
In addition to excelling at club level, Azpilicueta also earned 44 international caps with Spain – going to three World Cups and two European Championships.
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AFPThe defender has been to three World Cups with Spain[/caption]