Chelsea are set to bid farewell to their long-serving defender, Cesar Azpilicueta, as he agrees to terms with Inter Milan. The Spanish defender’s departure comes as part of a significant squad clear-out at Stamford Bridge.
Azpilicueta, who joined Chelsea from Marseille in 2012, has agreed personal terms with Inter Milan and is set to sign a two-year deal with the Italian giants. The 33-year-old has made a whopping 508 appearances for the Blues, scoring 17 goals in the process.
During his 11-year association with Chelsea, Azpilicueta has won the Premier League twice, the Champions League, the League Cup, the FA Cup, the Club World Cup, and the Europa League twice. His departure marks the end of an era at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will terminate his contract as part of the arrangement, allowing the club legend to leave for a new challenge.
Azpilicueta is set to join the Champions League finalists as he pursues a new challenge in the latter years of his career. He could potentially link back up with ex-Blues teammate Romelu Lukaku, who is keen to stay at Inter after his loan spell ended.
Azpilicueta’s departure is part of a broader exodus at Chelsea, with stars such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech, and Mason Mount among the frontrunners to move on. However, few players will be as big a miss at Stamford Bridge as the popular defender.
The move will bring to an end Azpilicueta’s illustrious career at Chelsea, marking the end of an era for the Blues.