Azpilicueta on why he opted for Chelsea over Barcelona

Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen were topic of reports and speculations over their future and they eventually left the club. Thiago Silva penned a one-year deal when the 2022-23 season started.

Cesar Azpilicueta

’s deal with Chelsea also seemed to have reached its natural end.

However, Cesar Azpilicueta penned a one-year deal as he met the clause for the number of games played. Since the club had been on sale and having new owners taking over and with the sanction, Blues had a slight chance in having security. Although the player’s future was not certain, he remained professional.

He said:

"I've never been in the transfer market in 10 years, it was difficult. This time the contract was a bit different because I had the clause of games, for a period I was a free agent, who knew what could happen. I decided to stay silent to not speak in the media because there was already enough noise around and I didn't want to make it worse because I tried to stay focused.

"It was true that it was a very rare situation. I was out of contract until March when I played the games. The club was under sanctions so it was very difficult. Everybody can talk for you and in your name but the actions are spoke by yourself. I stay committed to the club, I played the games even though we never knew what was going to happen. New ownership arrived, we had our conversation, very honest and I decide I will try to stay on."

Although his deal was extended for this season as well, many believed that he would go back to Spain, with

keen on acquiring his services.

"Of course, I think it's a turning point with the Club World Cup,"

Azpilicueta said.

"I worked so hard to win this trophy, my last trophy remaining. The only player who has won every trophy for the club. At the moment I feel differently. That moment, was like 'wow, I have won everything for this club, maybe a new chapter arrives'.

"It is true that after the international break, my performances were not as good as before, I think I pay a big price for playing from December to February, I think I played the most minutes playing wing-back which of course, I'm not getting younger. It's a position that demands a lot of energy, every three days, playing the Club World Cup. I think all these emotions, and feelings and tiredness, that's how I felt. That last two months, physically. I was not as good as before."

Although the clause was triggered in March, it was not clear whether he would remain put or not.

He has now penned a contract with the club that will keep him until 2024.

was taken over by new owner Todd Boehly. They have acquired the services of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka, with more arrivals expected.

Azpilicueta has been consistent in performance and presence for the Blues since he joined them in 2012. The club’s new owner also expressed his admiration for the player’s leadership skills and his performance against Everton at the weekend.

Azpilicueta said:

"Of course, the conversations they were there, before and after the Club World Cup, winning every trophy for the club - the only player - I thought maybe it was the time to go back then everything happened. I am the captain of this club; I want to stay committed to the club. I never did anything against my club. Conversations were private. We spoke to each other, we said what we thought. We had players leaving. All around that was like this.

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