Atletico Madrid plans to extend Spanish defender, Cesar Azpilicueta’s contract until 2025.

The 34-year-old defender joined the club from Chelsea last summer on a one-year deal with the option for a second.

Azpilicueta has been informed by the club that they plan to extend his contract. Official announcements are yet to be made, though.

Azpilicueta has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season. Nevertheless, he has been out since January due to a ruptured meniscus.

The Spain international has been a first-team regular for Atletico and was on the verge of automatically triggering the option for another year due to his number of appearances.

Atletico Madrid sign Azpilicueta on 1-year deal from Chelsea

Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil told Azpilicueta of the club’s decision to extend his contract following his injury.

Chelsea agreed to let Azpilicueta leave last summer, a year before his contract expired.

The west London club was happy to let him leave in acknowledgment of his 11 years of service, during which he won every available club competition.

The defender came near to returning to his hometown in the summer of 2022 after negotiations with Barcelona, but the club’s new owners persuaded him to stay at Stamford Bridge. He then agreed to a two-year agreement with Chelsea.

Atletico Madrid is now fourth in La Liga and will face Cadiz on Saturday. They have also advanced to the Champions League knockout stages, but must reverse a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Inter Milan in the home match next Wednesday.