As the 10th anniversary of his arrival at Chelsea edges closer, Cesar Azpilicueta has discussed the secret to his longevity and consistency in west London, believing it is down to sharing the club’s winning mentality and determination to succeed.
The Spaniard first came to Stamford Bridge in 2012, when he completed his move from Marseille late in the summer transfer window.
Since then, Azpilicueta has become a key player for the Blues and now captains a side aiming for more glory in 2022/23, although he still finds it hard to believe it was so long ago he joined Chelsea.
‘This is my home,’ he said. ‘I’ve had a very successful period until now in the last 10 years and now I carry on and we’re all excited for what’s coming up.
‘I never look too far ahead, to be fair. When I first arrived in 2012 I couldn’t imagine that I could live this period that I’ve had until now. The years go so quick, so fast. It seems like yesterday when I first walked in the building and here I am now.’
He also thinks the key to his massively successful decade with Chelsea is down to their shared philosophy, with both him and the club showing a constant desire to improve and lift silverware, something underlined when head coach Thomas Tuchel reacted to Azpilicueta’s new two-year contract earlier this month by claiming the defender ‘embodies Chelsea’.
‘It is about pushing every day, going for everything and fighting to compete and to win trophies,’ said Azpilicueta. ‘The aim of the club is always to compete.
‘We have an amazing training ground and Stamford Bridge. We love being here and I’ve felt really welcome since the first day here.’
The 32-year-old also considered what his best moments at Chelsea over the last decade were, understandably settling on a trio of trophy triumphs, although he admitted the emotions of those glorious occasions, of which he’s had many, fade all too fast.
‘I think the easiest to pick is the Champions League final in Porto, of course. Winning that was a dream. Winning the two Premier Leagues as well, the first one for me at home against Crystal Palace, and the second away at West Brom with a late winner. They were three moments that were really special.
‘It goes so quick. You have the time where you pick up the trophy and you want to enjoy it all together, but you want to enjoy more so you watch videos and look at pictures. It’s amazing but the feeling at the time, it goes so quick.’