Double Exit: Witsel and Azpilicueta Set to Leave Atletico Madrid This Summer

Veteran defenders Axel Witsel and Cesar Azpilicueta will both leave Atletico Madrid when their contracts end this summer. This creates two big gaps in Diego Simeone’s team for next season.

CONFIRMED DEPARTURES

Axel Witsel has officially announced he will leave Atletico Madrid when his contract ends on June 30. The 36-year-old Belgian midfielder confirmed his departure while talking about the club’s new away kit: “This jersey is truly beautiful. I won’t be here next season, so I’ll keep it for myself. For now, I’ll enjoy this last month with the team.” Witsel is leaving after three seasons with the Madrid club, where he has played less this season.

Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta will also leave the Wanda Metropolitano as a free agent in July. This marks the end of his Atletico career after joining from Chelsea. Both players will play in Atletico’s upcoming Club World Cup campaign before they leave.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Witsel leaving is not a surprise since his role has reduced this season. The veteran Belgian went from being key in Simeone’s plans to a regular bench player. The arrivals of defenders like Clément Lenglet and Robin Le Normand have moved Witsel down the list. Reports say he hasn’t played regularly since January.

Atletico Madrid are currently third in La Liga with 71 points, trailing Barcelona by six points and leaders Real Madrid by 12 points. There are just two matches left in the domestic season. The club has secured a spot in next season’s Champions League but will look to strengthen their squad after these departures.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Before their contracts end officially, both Witsel and Azpilicueta will play for Atletico Madrid at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. This tournament starts next month in the United States. It is their last chance to win a trophy with the Spanish club.

For Witsel, there are rumors about where he will go next. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri says the Belgian international might return to his old club Standard Liege. Sporting director Marc Wilmots reportedly wants him to play first and then become an assistant coach. Other possible places include Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League. The 36-year-old wants to keep playing.

Atletico Madrid will play Valencia in their next La Liga match on Sunday, June 1st. They are six points behind second-placed Barcelona and nine points ahead of fourth-placed Athletic Club. Simeone’s team will try to secure third place before heading to the Club World Cup.