Olympique de Marseille defender Cesar Azpilicueta expects to complete his move to Chelsea imminently after thanking the French club’s fans for their support.
As Goal.com exclusively revealed on Friday, the right-back is on the verge of finalising a £7.9 million transfer to Stamford Bridge and the Spaniard hailed the deal as a good one for all concerned.
“Everyone thinks it’s been a tough time for me with my thoughts spilt between Marseille and Chelsea,” Azpilicueta admitted to Le Provence.
“If my departure can help Marseille’s finances, then it is a good deal for everyone concerned.”
The 22-year-old, formerly of Osasuna, appeared to say goodbye to the Ligue 1 side’s supporters after his part in their 2-0 victory over Sochaux on Sunday.
“I thank the club’s fans for their standing ovation,” Azpilicueta added. “They have always been good to me to me, even when things haven’t gone well.”
Branislav Ivanovic played at right-back for Chelsea against Wigan on Sunday and scored but the Blues are a man down in the position after Jose Bosingwa’s release at the end of his contract. The Portuguese has since joined QPR.