Chelsea
have confirmed captain Cesar Azpilicueta has chosen to leave the club after
11 years.
The defender had been a mainstay at Stamford Bridge since arriving from
Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille in 2012, making over 500 appearances,
scoring 17 goals, and winning every major title available.
Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman, and Behdad Eghbali, co-controlling owner,
said: "Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea, as a warrior, as a
champion, and as loyal Chelsea legend.
"He has set the standards at the club for more than a decade and
demonstrated to everyone what is required day in, day out to achieve
success."
The 33-year-old is expected to join LaLiga side Atletico Madrid as a free
agent after Chelsea agreed to let him leave despite 12 months remaining on
his contract.
The club's official statement read: "Congratulations and good luck, Cesar.
We'll be forever grateful."
Azpilicueta joins a growing list of players to leave Chelsea this summer,
after the exits of Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy, who
all joined Saudi Pro League clubs.
Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount have signed for Premier League
rivals Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, respectively.
The Blues have added Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson in the current
window, as they seek to revive their fortunes under new boss Mauricio
Pochettino after finishing 12th last term - their worst domestic season
since 1994.
Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo is also said to be a primary target for
Chelsea this summer, and they are expected to formalise their interest soon.
Chelsea unwilling to listen to offers for
Colwill
Levi Colwill will not be leaving Chelsea this summer in spite of continued
interest from Liverpool and Brighton.
The club are not willing to entertain offers for the 20-year-old defender,
who starred for England Under-21s as they beat Israel 3-0 on Wednesday to
advance to the European Championship final in Georgia.
He is currently contracted until the summer of 2024 with an option of
another year if certain criteria are met.
Colwill spent last season on loan at Brighton where he made 22 appearances
as the Seagulls qualified for Europe.
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