Cesar Azpilicueta is close to leaving Chelsea after reaching an agreement on a two-year contract to join Atlético Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues legend appeared destined to join Inter Milan after agreeing to personal terms on a verbal basis last week. In a swift turn of events, The Rojiblancos have won the race to sign the defender this summer. Chelsea will let Azpilicueta leave as a free agent as a matter of respect to their captain.
Azpilicueta and his family find the idea of returning to their home country, Spain, quite appealing. This decision has played a significant role in Atletico’s desire in securing the signature of the 33-year-old defender.
The Spanish international now needs to sort out the details of his departure from Chelsea. The veteran defender still has 12 months remaining on his contract but an agreement to part ways this summer will be resolved amicably.
Cesar Azpilicueta– End of an era at Chelsea
Chelsea paid Olympique Marseille just £7.6m to secure the services of Azpilicueta in the summer of 2012 and he has gone on to make 508 appearances for the Blues playing across multiple positions in the backline.
The 33-year-old is Chelsea’s longest-serving player after spending 11 years at the club winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup, two Europa League titles and most notably, one Champions League title where he captained Chelsea to triumph in 2021.
Azpilicueta will be a good fit for the Rojiblancos because of his experience, ball-playing ability, and versatility as he has shown in the Premier League over the years.
