Michael Essien Sends Heartwarming Message to Cesar Azpilicueta as He Leaves Chelsea: "A True Legend"

• Michael Essien has sent a goodwill message to Cesar Azpilicueta
• Azpilicueta is leaving Chelsea after 11 years with the Blues
• Essien played with Azpilicueta when the Spaniard first arrived at Chelsea

Former Ghana midfielder, Michael Essien has paid a glowing tribute to Cesar Azpilicueta following his departure from Chelsea.

The Spanish defender leaves Chelsea after eleven successful years with the London club.

Essien briefly played with Azpilicueta before leaving Chelsea in 2014 to join Italian giants AC Milan.

"A true legend, Cesar Azpilicueta. I wish you all the best," wrote Essien on Twitter.

Azpilicueta won several trophies with the Blues, including the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League. He will be joining La Liga side Atletico Madrid for the 2023/24 season.

"It’s difficult to express with words what I feel," said Azpilicueta in an emotional farewell video, as quoted by msn.com.

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"It has been incredible. And just, thank you to everyone, because it couldn’t have happened without the help of a lot of people. What a journey.

"This is my home and I hope to see everybody here back one day. The love they have showed me every single time is something that I’m really proud of, and hopefully we can keep this relationship forever."

Chelsea are in a rebuilding stage a year after the club's takeover by American businessman Todd Boehly.

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The former Chelsea player, who is currently moulding his career as a manager, shared the pitch with several greats including the likes of John Terry and Didier Drogba.

However, in picking his best teammate at a club level, the 40-year-old named another Blues legend as the best he's ever played alongside.

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Azpilicueta bids Chelsea farewell

It is an emotional day for everyone at Chelsea as they bid farewell to a club legend and captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, after 11 years at Stamford Bridge.

Azpilicueta's departure confirmed the rumours that he would leave the club and return to his home country of Spain, despite having a year left on his contract.

An official club statement confirmed the Spanish full-back would depart London after 11 years, 508 games, and nine trophies in the famous blue shirt.