During his time at Chelsea, Cesar Azpilicueta managed to get his hands on the Europa League trophy twice.
The defender was part of the Chelsea team that beat Ajax in the 2013 Europa League final before captaining the Blues to victory in the 2019 final against Arsenal.
Chelsea’s triumph over Arsenal was particularly sweet for Azpilicueta, and not just because they were his London rivals.
By winning the Europa League that season, the 36-year-old was able to make a bit of history.
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta holding Europa League trophy
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
First Spanish player in history to captain a foreign team to major honour
At the time, Azpilicueta was not Chelsea’s permanent captain. That honour belonged to teammate Gary Cahill.
However, with Maurizio Sarri not being a fan of Cahill, the Englishman spent most of the 2018/19 season out of the Italian’s starting XI.
It saw Azpilicueta deputise as captain in Cahill’s absence, including in the Europa League final, which Chelsea went on to win 4-1.
That result meant Azpilicueta was the first Spanish player ever to captain a foreign club to a major honour.
On that achievement, the former Spain international told Chelsea’s official club website: “You want to win trophies and leading the team is something special. I was the first Spanish player to do that in a team abroad. I did not even know that before but they told me that afterwards and it was a big achievement of which I am really proud.
“I had strong feelings because to win a trophy being captain is something special and hopefully there are many more to come.”
Today, Reece James is Chelsea captain, and the 25-year-old was able to lift a couple of trophies himself last season following the Blues’ success in the Club World Cup and Conference League.
James’ former teammate Azpilicueta was bought by Chelsea 13 years ago and has gone down as one of the club’s best-ever signings.
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta before 2019 Europa League final
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Cesar Azpilicueta proud to have captained Chelsea
Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world and one of the most successful teams in England.
Unsurprisingly, Azpilicueta was honoured when he was finally named Chelsea’s permanent captain.
“I just try to give my best because I am very proud to be the club captain and I will give everything to do it right,” he said.
The Blues have had some great leaders down the years, with John Terry being the first name that comes to mind. Azpilicueta can certainly be added to that list.
In a few years’ time, maybe Chelsea supporters will also be able to include James, who is fit and firing again.