MADRID, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Rayo Vallecano has sold left-back Pep Chavarria to Chelsea for a fee of around 19 million euros.
The sale comes just days before Rayo kicks off the new season away to Sevilla on Saturday and leaves Jozhua Vertrouwd as the only current option on the left side of defense, although the transfer will provide an important boost to the Madrid club's finances.
The 28-year-old Chavarria joined Rayo from Zaragoza in 2022 and made 125 appearances, playing a major role in helping the club reach last season's UEFA Conference League final.
"I take with me memories that I will cherish forever," wrote the defender in a farewell message to Rayo fans.
"The magical nights in Vallecas, a stadium that always believed in us and supported us, and the shared dream of something as big as a European final. Being part of that journey has been a true privilege," commented Chavarria.
The left-back said he left "with a full heart and the certainty that a part of me will always belong to Vallecas."
"Thank you for everything, Rayo. Forever a Rayo fan," he concluded. ■
