Tearful Azpilicueta Announces Chelsea Exit After 11 Years

Azpilicueta departs as a club legend, having won every available trophy during his time in West London.

Signed for a paltry £7m fee from Olympique Marseille shortly after Chelsea had won their first Champions League trophy in 2012, Azpilicueta had to bide his time before becoming a regular at Stamford Bridge.

His ability to operate across different positions at the back proved crucial at times for Chelsea and he would go on to make 508 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals.

Azpilicueta won among others two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies and lifted the Champions League as captain in 2021.

In an open letter to the Chelsea fans on social media, the 33-year-old, who still had a year left on his contract, wrote: "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." 

"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 succes 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."

Azpilicueta is expected to continue his career by signing for Atletico Madrid.