Cesar Azpilicueta has said a final farewell to Chelsea and their supporters.

After his Chelsea release, the defender has immediately signed a one-year contract with Atletico Madrid.

Azpilicueta said via the Chelsea website: "I'd like to say so many things, but I'm going to keep it short.

"I want to say every time you are part of this club you give your best. That's how I learned to be part of Chelsea.

"The demands are really high, the commitment to the club, to the fans, every single day, even in tough moments when maybe it's easier to go down a different path.

"That's the moment to show the personality, the soul of the club, all together, pushing in the same direction.

"I know Chelsea will be back where it should be.

"To the fans, I tried to give back all the love and support you have given me since I arrived.

"You called me Dave since the first day and I didn't know what it meant, but I felt a connection straightaway.

"The relationship on the pitch, off the pitch, is something I will take with me. It will stay forever.

"Hopefully I can come back one day here to say a proper goodbye to all of you. Keep supporting the team, the club you love. You are the soul of the club. Keep going.

"I love you all."