Chelsea have confirmed that Cesar Azpilicueta is leaving the club after 11 years at Stamford Bridge.
Last summer, the defender had been expected to link up with Barcelona, only to instead eventually sign a new contract and remain in West London.
However, a year on from that decision, the 33-year-old is taking the opportunity to return to Spain with a transfer to Atletico Madrid to be announced in due course.
Inter Milan, at one stage, had seemed to be favourites to sign the versatile full-back, yet an offer from Atletico led to Azpilicueta opting to end a 13-year absence from La Liga.
In a show of respect to Azpilicueta's loyalty and status at Chelsea, the club's hierarchy have agreed to mutually terminate his contract in order for the veteran to leave on a free transfer.
We are bidding an emotional farewell to a Chelsea great.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 6, 2023
Thank you for everything, @CesarAzpi. 💙 pic.twitter.com/wHDcALJX5m
Speaking to the club's official website, Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman, and Behdad Eghbali, co-controlling owner, said: "Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea, as a warrior, as a champion, and as 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.
"Coaches and teammates past and present have trusted him to lead by example as captain. He has done so immaculately on and off the pitch, something for which we are grateful. For that and so much more, Cesar will always be welcomed back at Stamford Bridge."
Azpilicueta leaves Chelsea having made a total of 508 appearances in all competitions, making him the sixth-highest in the all-time list.
© Reuters
On two occasions, Azpilicueta played every game of a Premier League season - in 2016-17 and 2018-19 respectively - while the only time that he featured on fewer than 40 occasions in a single campaign was 2022-23.
During a turbulent spell for the club, Azpilicueta was restricted to 16 starts and nine substitute outings in the top flight, and he faced the prospect of becoming at least third choice under Mauricio Pochettino.
Azpilicueta departs Chelsea having won every trophy available to him, the most notable being two Premier League titles, two Europa League crowns and the 2020-21 Champions League.
The Spain international is now in line to challenge Nahuel Molina for a place as Atletico's right wing-back, or to feature on the right-hand side of Diego Simeone's back three.
Darren Plant
