End of an era! Emotional Chelsea star says goodbye after 11 years at Chelsea
After spending 11 years at the club, Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta has officially announced his departure from Chelsea.
Azpilicueta leaves as a revered figure in the club’s history, having achieved remarkable success during his tenure at Stamford Bridge, including winning the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup, FA Cup, Club World Cup, and Europa League.
In a heartfelt letter, Azpilicueta expressed the difficulty of bidding farewell but wanted to be the one to share the news with the fans. He reflected on his journey, which began on August 24, 2012, when he eagerly arrived in London to join Chelsea.
From the moment he first donned the blue shirt, Azpilicueta felt a sense of belonging. He vividly remembered the excitement he felt gazing at the trophies and historic moments displayed on the walls of the training ground, aspiring to replicate that success as a young player.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Azpilicueta expressed his gratitude for the incredible experiences, including 508 appearances, 9 trophy wins, and the honor of captaining the team. He also shared how he and his wife, Adriana, arrived in London as a young couple and are now leaving as a family of five, with their children born and raised in England. The bond they have formed with the city and the club will endure forever.
Azpilicueta will now join Atletico Madrid, his new team in Spain, signing a two-year contract.