Cesar Azpilicueta Joins Atletico Madrid: Spanish Defender Returns to Spain After 11 Seasons with Chelsea

 Cesar Azpilicueta Joins Atletico Madrid: Spanish Defender Returns to Spain After 11 Seasons with Chelsea

Cesar Azpilicueta Joins Atletico Madrid(Image-Getty)

 Atletico Madrid has officially announced the signing of Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta on a one-year contract as a free agent. Azpilicueta joins Atletico after parting ways with Chelsea, where he spent 11 seasons. The Premier League club agreed to release him with one year remaining on his contract.

The 33-year-old returns to Spain after a 13-year absence, having previously played for Osasuna from 2007 to 2010. Azpilicueta established himself as a key player at Chelsea since his arrival from Olympique de Marseille in 2012, making over 500 appearances in all competitions. He contributed 17 goals, provided 56 assists, and won every major title with the club.

In a joint statement, Chelsea's chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali praised Azpilicueta as a loyal legend who left an indelible mark on the club. The Spanish defender was linked with a move to Serie A side Inter Milan but ultimately chose Atletico as his next destination.

Azpilicueta joins a list of players who have left Stamford Bridge this offseason, including Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, and Edouard Mendy, who all joined Saudi Pro League clubs. Meanwhile, Chelsea has brought in Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson as forwards, aiming to revive their fortunes under the management of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino following their disappointing 12th-place finish last season.

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