Cesar Azpilicueta, the captain of Chelsea, has joined Atletico Madrid on a free transfer, concluding his 11-year tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Azpilicueta departed Chelsea amicably with one year remaining on his contract.
“Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea, as a warrior, a champion, and a loyal Chelsea legend,” Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said on the club’s website.
“For more than a decade, he has set the bar at the club and shown everyone what it takes day in and day out to accomplish success.
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“Past and present coaches and colleagues have entrusted him to lead by example as captain. He has performed flawlessly on and off the field, for which we are appreciative. Cesar will always be welcomed back at Stamford Bridge for this and much more.”
In prior transfer windows, Diego Simeone, the manager of Atletico Madrid, had unsuccessfully attempted to acquire the former Chelsea captain.
Azpilicueta was also pursued by Barcelona last summer, but he chose to extend his contract with Chelsea instead.
In 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge, he appeared in 508 games, including 32 last year. He won every conceivable trophy at Chelsea, including two Premier League championships and the Champions League.
Atletico also announced the definitive transfer of Racing Club defender Alvaro Mourino to the club.
