Why Cesar Azpilicueta wants to return to Chelsea after tearful exit and Atletico Madrid links

Chelsea captain and legend Cesar Azpilicueta could not hold it all in as he spoke after Chelsea confirmed he would be leaving the club following 11 years where he rose from being a team member to being a club captain.

He was the captain as Chelsea defied the odds and beat Manchester City to win the Champions League in Porto under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.

He also leaves as one of the longest-serving members of the team and the only one to have won it all including two Premier League titles and Club World Cup at the club.

Speaking in a short video on social media, the Spanish defender said Chelsea is his home and he was hoping he’d be able to return in a different role once he was done playing.

He said: “I feel I gave everything. I love it.”

“I think it would be pretty obvious to pick the highest moment of my career, when we won the Champions League in Porto. It was my first trophy as captain. Chelsea is my home, it always will be and hopefully, I can come back in a different role.”

There are reports in Spain that he will now be announced as the latest addition to Diego Simeoone’s side once the Chelsea goodbye messages are cleared.

Last season, Azpilicueta signed a fresh two-year contract but with Chelsea looking to go in a different direction by injecting in youth, it became clear that it was best for all parties to shake hands and wave goodbye.

His departure means Chelsea will now have to name a new captain with Thiago Silva, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Reece James all under consideration.