(Football news) Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is on the verge of completing a move to Atletico Madrid. The Spaniard has been linked with a move away from Chelsea for the past two seasons. Last summer he had an agreement with FC Barcelona but Chelsea requested him to stay for another year and he agreed. Now he is surplus to requirements and Chelsea have agreed to let him leave for free despite having another year left in his contract as a mark of respect. Cesar Azpilicueta has been an incredible servant for Chelsea over the years. He has been captain for a long time and he has won a total of 9 trophies with the club.

Inter Milan had agreed personal terms with Cesar Azpilicueta on a two year contract but later Atletico Madrid entered the race. Being Spanish it was natural that he wanted to return to Spain where he hasn’t played since 2010. Inter Milan CEO Marotta has already confirmed it in a statement “It seems that he’s tempted by a proposal from Spain [Atlético Madrid] and so he’s negotiating with them. We considered Cesar Azpilicueta as a good option but he’s focused on this bid from Spain”.

Cesar Azpilicueta is at the back end of his career at the age of 33. Diego Simeone has always managed to take players who are towards the end of their career and make them into match winners in the past. Azpilicueta fits in perfectly in Diego Simeone’s system as he is a real fighter on the pitch. He will be fighting for a starting spot at right back with World Cup winner Nahuel Molina. He has also played as a left back and right center back in a 3 at the back formation many times. That flexibility is what makes him a very good addition to the Atletico Madrid squad.

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