Atletico Madrid beat Inter Milan to the signing of Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Atletico Madrid are close to reaching an agreement for Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta in the ongoing summer transfer window. He has claimed the player has signed a two-year deal with Los Colchoneros.
The Blues veteran looked set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer but to Italian giants Inter Milan. The Rojiblancos’ entry to the transfer race has come as a surprise, more so given that they now appear to have gotten their man.
While Azpilicueta was open to moving to Inter, the opportunity to return to his home nation with his family is one that needs no selling. He last played on Spanish shores when he was with Osasuna in 2010. If all goes well, he could end his career at the Wanda Metropoiltano, donning one of La Liga’s famous jerseys.
Despite agreeing to personal terms with Inter, Atletico are now in pole position to land the veteran defender. At 33, he is not getting any younger and will leave Chelsea legend. His ability to keep things simple at the back and lead from the front, will in particular be heavily missed.
Talks with Atletico are now advanced and it would appear to be just a matter of time before a decision is reached. The Spaniards will move for Azpilicueta once Chelsea gives them the green light for a free transfer. The Blues were ready to rip up the player’s contract, as a mark of respect to his years of service to the club.
Diego Simeone is one of Europe’s best managers and would be able to squeeze the last inch of top-level football in Azpilicueta. At his advanced age, the veteran is better off playing in a physically less robust league such as La Liga. More so, with his family back in familiar surroundings, it would bring his footballing career to a fitting end in the coming years.
We won’t begrudge Azpilcueta a return back home and hope he goes on to enjoy as much success at Atletico as he did in Blue. While replacing his ability on the ball is doable, Chelsea will struggle to replace his leadership skills and ability to put the team first. The 33-year-old will depart Stamford Bridge a club legend.
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