(FILE) Spain's Cesar Azpilicueta smiles during a press conference in Doha, Qatar, 19 November 2022. EFE/JuanJo Martín

Atletico Madrid sign Azpilicueta on 1-year deal from Chelsea

Madrid, Jul 6 (EFE).- Atletico Madrid have signed former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta on a one-year contract, the Spanish club announced Thursday.

Azpilicueta was confirmed by the club after he passed the required medical checks.

The veteran full-back, who spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge, will join up with manager Diego Simeone’s squad on Friday for the start of pre-season training.

“At 33 years old, he is a defender with ample experience in international football. He is versatile, playing as a central defender and right-back, and will bring the demonstrated leadership throughout his career, which was further enhanced during his last period at Chelsea FC, where he was the captain,” a club statement said.

Azpilicueta arrives in the Spanish capital after a highly successful era in London, where he won the Champions League in 2021, two Europa League titles (in 2014 and 2020), a European Super Cup, two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and a League Cup.

Before his time at Chelsea, Azpilicueta played for Olympique Marseille.

He has also been crowned European champion with the Spanish U19 and U21 national teams. EFE

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