Cesar Azpilicueta’s deep affiliation with Chelsea could continue long after he hangs up his boots.
According to The Athletic, those with a personal connection to Azpilicueta claim they wouldn’t be shocked if the defender decided to live in the Cobham area once his career concluded.
Once a Blue…
The 32-year-old is very much seen as a ‘one club man’, even though he spent half a decade in France with Osasuna and Marseille before moving to Stamford Bridge.
It is because of the captain’s undeniable dedication to the badge that many have forgotten he ever wore another team’s colours.
He is blooded into the very fabric of the blue strip that has been worn on his back since 2012.
A double Premier League and Europa League winner, with the Champions League trophy under his belt as skipper as well, Azpilicueta’s contribution to 10-years of success is indisputable.
Which makes the fact that the versatile full-back could walk away from his beloved footballing home as a free agent over the summer even more upsetting.
Arguably more so than Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, both of whom are in the same contractual boat as the Spain international.
None quite like the Azpilicueta
Both centre-backs would be hugely missed no question, yet their relationship with the Blues doesn’t quite run so deep.
Christensen was raised through the academy and therefore can lay claim to being as closely associated with the European champions.
However, it is only in the past 12-months that Dane has truly established himself in Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Azpilicueta meanwhile has pretty much been an ever-present for the entirety of his stay in the English capital.
Whilst the calibre of centre-half that might be needed to replace Rudiger can be bought, no money in the world will be able to substitute ‘Dave’s’ honourable commitment to the cause.
He is a priceless leader and a brilliant person.
Please stay another day, Azpi.
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