Cesar Azpilicueta has won everything at Chelsea, 11 years in the Blues, and this summer Blues fans bid a tearful farewell to their legendary captain.
During his 11-year career at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea veteran made 508 appearances for the Blues and won the league, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions Cup, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
In 2012, Chelsea signed the then-little-known Spaniard from Marseille, who was widely praised for his work ethic and adaptability, as well as his ability to play at right-back, left-back, centre-back and back. He was named Chelsea Player of the Year in 2014 and was appointed permanent captain of the club in 2019 after receiving all the honours at the West London club.
Unfortunately, the aging of the 33-year-old in recent seasons has caused his physical problems and injuries to drastically cut his game time. He made just 16 appearances last season, with Chelsea finishing 12th with the lowest points ever.
Now, it's time for Azpilicueta to say goodbye. On Tuesday night, Chelsea announced they agreed to let their captain go, despite having 12 months left on his contract. He chose to move back to Spain and joined Atletico Madrid, signing a one-year contract.
"It's hard to express my feelings," Azpilicueta said in a video released by the club. "I feel like I gave everything. I like it, I think when we won the Champions Cup in Porto, it was obvious to choose the most important moment of my career. This is my first trophy as captain.
'Chelsea is my home and it will always be my home and hopefully I can come back in a different role.'
Chelsea chairman Todd. Boli and co-controlled boss Behda. Egbarry added: 'Cesar has left a permanent mark at Chelsea, a fighter, a champion, a loyal Chelsea legend.
'He has set the standard for the club for over a decade and has shown everyone every day it takes to be successful.'
According to several media reports, Brighton midfielder Caicedo is a major target for Chelsea. But Brighton are preparing to pay a £100 million ($127.3 million) transfer fee for Caicedo following Dicklan Rice's move to Arsenal this summer.
Brighton have sold Qatar World Cup winner McAllister to Liverpool this summer. Their manager, Roberto de Zelby, has admitted that Caicedo could also be a leaver if the price is right.