Footage of a long-time member of the defensive setup at Chelsea bidding a touching farewell to the Premier League giants has come to the fore on Thursday evening.
The Blues star in question? Cesar Azpilicueta.
For those who may have missed it, the name of Spanish international Azpilicueta has taken its place front and centre in the headlines in west London across the day to date.
This comes after confirmation of the veteran full-back’s long-awaited Chelsea exit was finally made official.
After opting against a move to Italy with Inter Milan, ‘Azpi’ has secured a return to his home country, with Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
The 33-year-old put pen to paper on a one-year contract at the Wanda Metropolitano, after coming to an agreement over the termination of his terms at Stamford Bridge.
🆕 @CesarAzpi is a new rojiblanco player! 🔴⚪
🖊 The Spanish international has signed for one season with our club!
👋 Welcome, Azpilicueta! 🤗 pic.twitter.com/l64vwwJYX1
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 6, 2023
This, however, does not appear to have made his eventual farewell any easier to deal with.
In a post across their social media platforms on Thursday, Chelsea unveiled a video of the club’s now-former captain, in which he bid farewell to all associated with the Blues.
Delving into his remarkable 11-year stint in England’s capital, Azpilicueta, unsurprisingly, could not help but shed a tear or two, with footage of the Spaniard’s touching final interview showcased below:
We are bidding an emotional farewell to a Chelsea great.
Thank you for everything, @CesarAzpi. 💙 pic.twitter.com/wHDcALJX5m
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 6, 2023
Official: Real Madrid confirm addition of ‘Turkish Messi’ after hijacking Barcelona move
Revealed: When Declan Rice & Jurrien Timber are scheduled to undergo Arsenal medicals