Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have paid tribute to departing captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Azpilicueta will be released from the final year of his Blues deal. The 33 year-old is set to sign for Atletico Madrid.

Boehly and Eghbali said: “Cesar leaves an everlasting mark at Chelsea, as a warrior, as a champion, and as 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."