Cesar Azpilicueta has opened up about his failed move to Barcelona from Chelsea
Cesar Azpilicueta was linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer. Barcelona was touted as the most likely destination, but the Chelsea captain seemingly had a change of heart and ended up extending his stay at Stamford Bridge.
Now he has opened up about his failed move to the La Liga giants. Speaking to the club’s website (h/t Mirror), the 32-year-old admitted that he was considering a move to Spain.
I’m always totally honest and the conversations were there. I thought after the Club World Cup, winning this trophy and being the first player at Chelsea to win every single trophy available, that perhaps it was time to go back to Spain, maybe for a new challenge.
The Blues were in a very peculiar situation at the end of last season. The club’s previous owner was sanctioned by the UK government and Chelsea could not extend or negotiate any new contracts. The club then went on to lose Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers this summer.
Azpilicueta’s contract was also to expire in June. But due to a clause inserted before the sanctions, the club was able to extend his contract by another 12 months. Nevertheless, Barcelona were interested in the Chelsea captain and a move seemed very likely to happen.
But the new owners led by Todd Boehly were able to convince the 32-year-old to extend his stay at the west London club. And now the captain is very happy that he made the right choice.
I’m really happy to sign the new contract. The last few months have been a little crazy but I’m really happy to extend my stay here. It’s a new project and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.
The Spaniard moved to Chelsea in 2012 from the French side Marseille. Since then, he has established himself as a regular player and has won every trophy available to him. He is the only Chelsea player ever to do so. A club legend, he has gone on to play over 470 games for the Blues, and will now add more to it.
He has put pen to paper a new two-year deal. Thomas Tuchel will be the happiest person as it saves him the headache of finding a replacement for his captain. An experienced figure, his presence and leadership quality is something Chelsea can do with as they begin their new season.
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Azpilicueta featured against Everton last Saturday as his side won 1-0. A club legend and fan favourite, the Chelsea fans will be happy and proud to see the Spaniard lead their club for another season. The Spaniard will hope to add a third Premier League title to his collection come May 2023.