There have been a lot of changes at Chelsea since the club were taken over by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali in 2022.
Stamford Bridge has seen so many new arrivals, and there could be even more this summer.
For example, it was recently claimed that Chelsea have made Jamie Gittens their “top target” as they look to strengthen their attack.
There have also been plenty of exits, with the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva leaving the club.
Cesar Azpilicueta rules out Premier League return
Azpilicueta left Chelsea in 2023, joining Atletico Madrid on a free transfer after 11 successful years in west London.
The defender’s contract at Atletico expires next month, meaning that he will once again be available for nothing.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared on X that Azpilicueta has no plans to join a Premier League club “out of respect” for Chelsea.
The 35-year-old is a Chelsea legend, making over 500 appearances for the Blues during his time at Stamford Bridge. Azpilicueta captained Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021, while he was also part of two Premier League title-winning teams.
Everyone at the club truly adored him, including former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. According to Eden Hazard, Azpilicueta was the teacher’s pet under Conte.
It was the Italian who moved the already versatile Azpilicueta into central defence, with the Spaniard having much success on the right side of a back three.
What Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali thought about Cesar Azpilicueta
While Boehly and Eghbali had not been at Chelsea for long at the time of Azpilicueta’s departure, both men were well aware of what the Spain international had accomplished and what he was capable of on the pitch.
On his exit, they told Chelsea’s official website: “Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea, as a warrior, as a champion, and as a loyal Chelsea legend. He has set the standards at the club for more than a decade and demonstrated to everyone what is required day in, day out to achieve success.
“Coaches and teammates past and present have trusted him to lead by example as captain. He has done so immaculately on and off the pitch, something for which we are grateful. For that and so much more, Cesar will always be welcomed back at Stamford Bridge.”
After 11 years at the club, it was painful for Azpilicueta to say goodbye. In a farewell video, the former Blues captain could not hold back his tears.
He remains a Chelsea legend, and that will not change whether he joins another Premier League club or not.
