Cesar Azpilicueta has explained his decision to snub a move to Barcelona in order to stay at Chelsea this summer.
The 32-year-old had one year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge when he was heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou.
However, with the Blues losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in the summer, they were reluctant to see their captain leave too.
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Co-owner Todd Boehly admitted that Chelsea would be relying on Azpilicueta’s leadership and experience at Stamford Bridge as they tied him down to a new deal, seeing Barcelona fail in an attempt to take him back to Spain.
Speaking to The Independent, Azpilicueta admitted that winning the Club World Cup was what prompted him to want to seek a new chapter after lifting every trophy available during his time at the club.
“It was a turning point at the Club World Cup,” he explained.
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“I tried so hard to win this trophy; my last trophy remaining so I could be the only player who has won every trophy for the club.
"At that moment, I felt differently. It was like, ‘Wow I have won everything for this club so maybe a new chapter arrives’.
“It's true that at the last break, my performances were not as good as before.
"I paid a big price for playing from December to February.
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"I think I played the most minutes and I did it playing wing-back. The last two months I wasn’t as good physically as before.”
The 32-year-old also struggled throughout the period that Chelsea were sanctioned under previous owner Roman Abramovich, limiting the club from offering contract extensions.
The Spaniard saw his deal automatically renewed due to a clause in his contract in regards to the amount of matches played, as Thomas Tuchel wanted him to stay.
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Discussing the uncertainty around the club last season, he continued: “It's true that it is a very rare situation. I was out of contract until March. I played the games but the club was still under sanctions so everybody can talk for you and your name.
“My actions spoke for themselves. I stayed committed to the club, I played the games and that's even though I didn't know what was going to happen.
"The new owners arrived and we had very honest conversations. I decided that it was right to stay at home. It has been a crazy last few months.
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"It felt right to carry on my journey here in a new project and I am really looking forward to the new season.”
Azpilicueta will be hoping to lead his team to further glory next season as the Blues hope to compete in all competitions once again, having finished third in the Premier League last season.
Topics: Chelsea, Cesar Azpilicueta, Barcelona, Football
Nick Emms