OFFICIAL: Chelsea captain's exit confirmed

Chelsea's captain has now officially left the club for a new team.

Spain international Cesar Azpilicueta has left Stamford Bridge as a free agent after agreeing to terminate his contract a year earlier than initially intended, and has joined Atletico Madrid back in his homeland. 

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"After eleven years, 508 appearances and nine trophies, Cesar Azpilicueta has decided the time is right to leave Chelsea. Congratulations for all that you achieved. You are forever a Chelsea legend," a statement form the club read.

"Azpi became the first player to win it all during his time at Stamford Bridge. In the process, he also won the hearts of supporters and cemented his place in the club's history.

"... A true leader and model professional who came to embody the Blues' winning mentality, Azpilicueta will always retain the gratitude of those at Chelsea for his crucial role on and off the pitch during such a successful period for the club. Congratulations and good luck, Cesar. We'll be forever grateful."

The 33-year-old spent more than a decade with the Blues and won every available club trophy during that period, including the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and FIFA Club World Cup in 2022.

He now joins Los Rojiblancos on a two-year deal, although he initially appeared to be bound for a move to Inter Milan instead.

His departure from Stamford Bridge comes amid a massive exodus at the club, which has already seen Edouard Mendy, N'Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz all leave in this window.

Winger Christian Pulisic is the next likely exit from the west London team following Mauricio Pochettino's arrival, with AC Milan believed to be his next destination.

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