Official: Filipe Luis returns to Atletico Madrid

The initial rumors were greeted with greater skepticism than most.  Despite only appearing in about half of our games last season (and making just 20 starts in all competitions), Filipe Luis never once uttered a bad word about the club, the manager, or his own playing time.  Sure, rumors of a return to Atletico had been swirling since the winter, but each new round was refuted by happy quotes or a happy tweet or Instagram from the player.  And yet, here we are.

.@ChelseaFC has today agreed terms with Atletico Madrid for the permanent transfer of Filipe Luis... http://t.co/lJvW3VCf5J

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 28, 2015

And so, well-behaved professional left back Filipe Luis Kasmirski leaves Chelsea after just one year.  As a veteran, he was signed to compete with Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic, but barring injuries or suspensions, those two remained our first-choice full back pairing throughout the season.  That we managed to recoup basically the whole transfer fee — turning Filipe's tenure at Chelsea into what's essentially an (expensive) loan — is good business.

Goodbye and thanks for helping us to a Premier League and League Cup Double, Filipe!