Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has announced his departure from the club after an 11-year trophy laden spell.
The experienced right-back leaves Chelsea by mutual consent despite having a year left on his contract.
On his social media, Azpilicueta sent out a message to fans, signing off with his infamous nickname. ‘Your captain Cesar Azpilicueta, aka Dave’.
“This is, without a doubt, the hardest letter I have ever had to write, but I wanted to be the one to share this with you: after 11 incredible seasons proudly keeping the blue flag flying high, the time has come for me to leave Chelsea FC,” Cesar Azpilicueta wrote on social media
“Our journey together started on the 24th of August 2012: After waiting impatiently to travel to London, my first day as a Chelsea player finally became a reality. From the first moment I wore the blue shirt, I felt right at home. I will always remember the butterflies in my stomach as I looked at all the trophies and successful moments posted on the wall of the training ground, a success that a young “Azpi” wanted to emulate.
“I could not have imagined to be here today after 508 appearances, winning 9 trophies and becoming your captain. Adriana and I arrived in London as a young couple, and we are leaving as a family of five, with our kids having been born and raised in England. Our bond with the city and the club will remain forever.”
He leaves Chelsea after having featured in 508 games and won almost all title there to be won at club level.
He becomes the latest senior player to leave the Blues after the departures of N’Golo Kanté, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Loftus Cheek, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Édouard Mendy and Matteo Kovacic.
According to most sources, Azpilicueta will now sign with Athletico Madrid on a free transfer.
