Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has provided an update on his future as the defender enters the final six months of his contract, while also highlighting his enjoyment of playing under Thomas Tuchel.
The Spaniard recently passed 450 Blues appearances and started his 300th Premier League game in the draw with Brighton last week. He has said his focus is fully on achieving his short-term goals at the club, which includes winning silverware this season.
‘As I always said, I feel I have the trust and confidence of the club and now I am focused on every game,’ Azpi stressed.
‘They are very tough games, and I am enjoying the moment. Eventually the moment will come, but I am fully focused on hopefully getting as many trophies as we can and then we will see.
‘I cannot say anything more than that I am really committed and have a lot of things ahead in the coming months and hopefully we can have a very good season.’
Azpilicueta has played under nine Chelsea managers – including interim bosses – and has spotted a common theme among them all while playing for the club.
‘I have had a number of managers, and some have been very different. One thing they all have in common is that will to win,’ the 32-year-old added.
‘Thomas is someone who is very calm but he is also very demanding. He is not happy when things are not going well. He always wants more – more success. That is what he has proved with the success he has had and hopefully we can have more in the future.’
Azpi’s praise for Tuchel comes after the way the Bavarian handled Romelu Lukaku's recent interview with Sky Sports in Italy.
‘The manager has the experience of dealing with different types of players and in this situation, from the very first second, he has dealt with things calmly and without making too many emotional decisions.
‘He made his decisions alongside the club and it is very clear everything is sorted. Now we have to put it behind us and only focus on what happens on the pitch.’
The skipper also echoed Tuchel’s wish to draw a line under the saga now. ‘Now he is looking to have success with the team. I think he made it clear that for him, it was his dream since he was a boy to play for Chelsea and now the most important thing is to work on the pitch the way he has today to help the team.’