In an emotional message on the day his departure from Chelsea is confirmed, Cesar Azpilicueta addresses the players he is leaving behind as well as the Blues fans with whom he has built such a rapport over the past 11 years.
Azpi bids farewell after a trophy-laden career in west London. He has been club captain since 2019, but has led by example on and off the pitch for much longer. He is a Chelsea legend. Here, Azpi delivers his final message as club captain and says goodbye to supporters...
I’d like to say so many things, but I’m going to keep it short.
I want to say every time you are part of this club you give your best. That’s how I learned to be part of Chelsea.
The demands are really high, the commitment to the club, to the fans, every single day, even in tough moments when maybe it’s easier to go down a different path.
That’s the moment to show the personality, the soul of the club, all together, pushing in the same direction.
I know Chelsea will be back where it should be.
To the fans, I tried to give back all the love and support you have given me since I arrived.
You called me Dave since the first day and I didn’t know what it meant, but I felt a connection straightaway.
The relationship on the pitch, off the pitch, is something I will take with me. It will stay forever.
Hopefully I can come back one day here to say a proper goodbye to all of you. Keep supporting the team, the club you love. You are the soul of the club. Keep going.
I love you all.