Ex-Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta secures La Liga transfer after leaving Atletico Madrid

Former Chelsea captain Azpilicueta has signed for Sevilla on a one-year contract, according to reports from COPE and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 36-year-old joins as a free agent after his contract with Atletico Madrid expired. The defender arrived in Seville on Friday to undergo a medical and finalise the deal.

Azpilicueta provides a wealth of experience to a Sevilla side that has endured a difficult start to the season, losing their opening two league matches. The veteran Spaniard rejected interest from his boyhood club Osasuna, as well as Celta and offers from MLS and Qatar, to join the Andalusian club. His leadership will be crucial for a team that narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 17th.

During his two-year spell with Atletico Madrid, Azpilicueta made 54 appearances in all competitions. However, his final season was hampered by a muscular injury, which restricted him to just 20 games and 10 starts in La Liga, leading to the club's decision not to renew his contract.

After completing the formalities of his medical and contract signing, Azpilicueta will be officially unveiled as a Sevilla player. He will be expected to immediately integrate into the first-team squad and provide defensive reinforcement as the club seeks to climb out of the bottom three. The former Spain international could be in line for a swift debut in Sevilla's next fixture.