As Cesar Azpilicueta prepares to bid farewell to Atletico Madrid, one thing has become crystal clear — loyalty still exists in modern football, and Azpi embodies it perfectly.
According to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, the former Chelsea captain will not return to the Premier League after his contract with Atletico Madrid expires. The reason? Pure respect for Chelsea Football Club — the team that shaped his legacy and the fans who embraced him for over a decade.
Azpilicueta’s decision isn’t just rare — it’s admirable. In an era where footballers often switch allegiances for new contracts or bigger paydays, Azpi has made it clear that loyalty runs deeper than opportunity. He doesn’t want to face Chelsea on the pitch. He doesn’t want to risk tarnishing the bond he built with the Stamford Bridge faithful. That’s class.

Since signing from Marseille in 2012, Azpi gave his heart and soul to Chelsea, clocking an incredible 508 appearances, scoring 17 goals, and providing 51 assists. But the numbers only tell half the story.
He was the ultimate professional, a quiet warrior who let his football do the talking.

Whether deployed as a right-back, left-back, or centre-back, he always delivered. Managers came and went, but Azpi remained a constant — reliable, humble, and fiercely committed.
His trophy haul speaks volumes:
2 Premier League titles
1 UEFA Champions League
2 Europa League titles
1 FA Cup
1 League Cup
1 UEFA Super Cup

Azpilicueta didn’t just play for Chelsea — he lived and breathed the badge. He led by example and lifted silverware with pride. Even when his role became more limited towards the end of his time at the club, he remained a leader in the dressing room, setting standards and mentoring the younger generation.
Now, as he seeks a new challenge — potentially elsewhere in Europe or even on another continent — Chelsea fans can only watch with respect and admiration. Wherever he goes, he carries a piece of Stamford Bridge with him.
Cesar Azpilicueta may be leaving Atletico, but he’s not coming back to the Premier League. And that, Blues fans, is because Chelsea isn’t just a former club — it’s home.
Once a Blue, always a Blue. Thank you, Azpi.