Cรฉsar Azpilicueta โ one of the most loyal players Chelsea have ever had. ๐
Signed for just โฌ8m from Marseille in 2012 as Ivanoviฤโs backup. Ivanoviฤโs brilliance made game time difficult, but Azpi never complained, never pushed for a move. He simply waited for his opportunity.
RDM was sacked. Benรญtez came in and gave his countryman a chance. Azpi grabbed it with both hands.
Mourinho arrived in 2014, fell out with Ashley Cole and moved Azpi to LB. He played it like he had been there his whole life.
โIf you give me 11 Azpilicuetas, I will win every trophy available.โ
Conte arrived in 2016/17 and switched to three at the back. Azpi became a CB and, once again, looked born for the role.
Sarri returned Chelsea to a back four. Azpi went back to RB after years away and still dominated.
Then came Tuchel, another three-at-the-back system, with Azpi switching between RWB and LCB while Reece James developed.
Even when Frank Lampard โ his former teammate โ became his manager, Azpi remained the ultimate professional.
In 2023, after 11 incredible years, he returned home to Spain with Chelseaโs blessing.
Chelsea honours:
๐ 2 Premier League titles
๐ 2 Europa League titles
๐ 1 FA Cup
๐ 1 League Cup
๐ 1 Champions League
๐ 1 UEFA Super Cup
๐ 1 Club World Cup
๐ Ballon dโOr nominee
๐ UCL Squad of the Season
RB. LB. RWB. LCB. Captain.
No drama. No controversies. Just loyalty, professionalism and everything he had for the badge.
TODAY, WE CELEBRATE YOU, LEGEND.
DAVE. ๐