He departs with the most appearances made by an overseas player, while he captained us to three European trophies, most notably the UEFA Champions League in 2020/21.

From former players to present players, here are some of the best quotes about our much-loved departing captain, Cesar Azpilicueta.

Former club captain and Chelsea legend, John Terry, on his professionalism: ‘When he first came in, he made a big impression within the group, his attitude in training was one of the best I came across in football.

‘His work ethic was incredible. He would be in the gym early, the preparation was superb. He was a real example to not only the older players within the group but the younger players in the Academy.’

Thiago Silva, who will surely go down as one of the greatest ever defenders, offering his opinion on Azpilicueta. ‘First of all, it is his leadership. He has a strong presence in the changing room. He motivates us, he is very vocal. He is a unique character with integrity. He is genuine, speaks the truth and a really good friend to the whole team.

He inspires people because it is not easy to spend so many years at a huge club like Chelsea. I spent eight years at Paris Saint-Germain, and I thought that was a lot. Azpi has done more than 10 years at Chelsea. We need to follow examples like this, of people with this integrity. He only deserves the best. He is a unique guy that I am proud to call my friend.’

Petr Cech, speaking after Azpi completed the trophy set by winning the Club World Cup in February 2022: 'He is one of those players who never disappoints you. He works hard, he does everything. He’s an honest player on the pitch, and off the pitch he works hard. You know you can rely on him in any situation. That is the key to his success. 

'No matter which manager was in charge, they all knew they could count on him, his attitude, and his qualities. Now he has the huge reward of lifting these trophies as a captain.'

Ashley Cole, speaking during his playing days when Azpi was keeping him out of the team at left-back: ‘I think for him to come on the left and play left-back, I couldn’t play right-back, and for him to come in and do such an amazing job, it’s credit to him. He’s a good guy. He trains like a warrior and he plays exactly the same.’

Cobham graduate Trevoh Chalobah on what it was like coming through the Academy looking up to him: ‘When I first trained in the first-team, I could see the presence and the leadership he had. Those are the players you want to look up to. He was always talking on the pitch, and always commanding. That is why he was the captain.’

Former team-mate Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who spent 19 years at Chelsea and experienced over a decade with Azpilicueta: ‘There is no one I can think of that is a better professional the way he works, looks after himself and the way he is with both younger and senior players. The role he plays in teaching the players around him how to be a professional - he is a role model.'