Cesar Azpilicueta, the captain of Chelsea, has concluded his remarkable 11-year tenure at the club, leaving behind a legacy of numerous trophies. It is anticipated that the 33-year-old Spanish defender will join Atletico Madrid.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, Azpilicueta achieved success in every major competition, including two Premier League titles and the prestigious Champions League. Expressing his emotions, he stated, “It is difficult to put into words how I feel; it has been an incredible journey.” In a heartfelt video shared by the club, a tearful Azpilicueta added, “I believe it is quite evident to choose the pinnacle of my career, which was winning the Champions League in Porto. It marked my first trophy as captain.”
Azpilicueta initially began his professional career with his childhood club Osasuna before spending two years at Marseille. In August 2012, he completed a £6.5 million move to Chelsea. As a full-back, he made 508 appearances and netted 17 goals for the London-based team. In 2019, Azpilicueta took over the captaincy from Gary Cahill.
Azpilicueta’s accomplishments are truly remarkable, as he is one of only six players to have secured the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Additionally, his 13 appearances in cup finals stand as a record for the club. The Spanish international, with 44 caps to his name, provided stability throughout a tumultuous decade at Stamford Bridge, witnessing the departure of 10 managers and a change in ownership.
Under the guidance of Jose Mourinho in 2015 and Antonio Conte in 2017, Azpilicueta claimed the Premier League title twice. Moreover, he became only the second captain in Chelsea’s history to lift the Champions League trophy, achieving this feat in 2021 when the team triumphed over Manchester City in the final. He also secured the Europa League title twice, in 2013 and 2019.
Although Azpilicueta was previously linked with a move to Barcelona, he signed a new two-year contract with Chelsea in August 2022. However, as part of a transitional summer under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, he has now become the latest senior player to depart from the club. Notable departures include Kai Havertz to Arsenal, Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City, and Mason Mount to Manchester United. Additionally, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and N’Golo Kante have left to play in the Saudi Pro League.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about captain
Q: How long did Cesar Azpilicueta spend at Chelsea?
A: Cesar Azpilicueta spent 11 years at Chelsea.
Q: Which club is Cesar Azpilicueta expected to join after leaving Chelsea?
A: Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to join Atletico Madrid.
Q: What notable achievements did Cesar Azpilicueta have at Chelsea?
A: During his time at Chelsea, Cesar Azpilicueta won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and various other honors.
Q: Who was the previous Chelsea captain before Cesar Azpilicueta?
A: Gary Cahill was the captain of Chelsea before Cesar Azpilicueta took over the captaincy in 2019.
Q: How many goals did Cesar Azpilicueta score for Chelsea?
A: Cesar Azpilicueta scored 17 goals in 508 appearances for Chelsea.
Q: How many cup finals did Cesar Azpilicueta appear in for Chelsea?
A: Cesar Azpilicueta appeared in 13 cup finals for Chelsea, which is a club record.
Q: Which club did Cesar Azpilicueta join Chelsea from?
A: Cesar Azpilicueta joined Chelsea from Marseille.
Q: How many times did Cesar Azpilicueta win the Premier League?
A: Cesar Azpilicueta won the Premier League twice with Chelsea, under Jose Mourinho in 2015 and Antonio Conte in 2017.
Q: What was the highest point of Cesar Azpilicueta’s career at Chelsea?
A: The highest point of Cesar Azpilicueta’s career at Chelsea was winning the Champions League in 2021 as the team’s captain.
Q: What is the next destination for Cesar Azpilicueta’s career?
A: Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to continue his football career at Atletico Madrid after leaving Chelsea.
More about captain
- Cesar Azpilicueta ends 11-year spell at Chelsea
- Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta expected to join Atletico Madrid
- Cesar Azpilicueta’s career at Chelsea
- Cesar Azpilicueta’s achievements at Chelsea
- Cesar Azpilicueta’s transfer history
8 comments
azpi, the ultimate leader! he won it all – premier league, champions league, and more. such an inspiration to other players. good luck at atleti, mate!
azpi, a class act both on and off the pitch. a true professional. wishing him all the success at atletico madrid. keep shining, captain!
azpilicueta, our rock at the back. gonna miss his tackles and leadership. thanks for the memories, captain!
nooooo! why is everyone leaving chelsea? kova, havertz, and now azpi. gonna cry. hope we get some good signings soon.
cesar azpilicueta is a legend at chelsea! 11 years of trophies, wow! cant wait 2 c him at atletico madrid.
omg azpi leavin?! this is so sad. he’s been our captain n won us da champions league. gonna miss him soooo much! chelsea 4ever!!
chelsea’s loss is atletico’s gain. azpilicueta is a solid defender and a true pro. gonna miss his goals too. all the best, azpi!
azpi’s departure marks the end of an era at chelsea. he’s been through so many ups and downs. a true chelsea legend.