Two of Chelsea’s best Spanish players of all time briefly played together at Stamford Bridge in the form of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marc Cucurella.
Azpilicueta spent 11 years in West London, where he eventually became club captain, lifting the Champions League trophy in 2021.
Cucurella on the other hand was only at the club for four years, although more than made his mark before eventually leaving for Real Madrid.
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Cesar Azpilicueta recalls when ‘annoying’ Marc Cucurella joined Chelsea
The left-back’s departure is going to be a tough one for some supporters to swallow, given he started nearly every game across the last two seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Azpilicueta and Cucurella featured together for a season under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard, although this did not see either at their best.
The former captain has been reacting to the news of the current Spain international’s departure, as well as recalling his memories of playing alongside him in defence.
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Azpilicueta told BBC Sounds that he was delighted when he actually moved to West London, because of how ‘annoying’ he was to play against for an opponent.
He said: “I don’t know what it feels like to move for more than £50m in the transfer market, not only once but twice as a defender! It’s hard to give my opinion on that. When he joined Chelsea, I was very happy when he came, because I remember playing against him at Brighton. He was annoying.
“He was very aggressive. I think it was a great signing for Chelsea, but we know how this world of football goes, and sometimes this kind of transfer happens, and it was very quick, from what I heard.
“Everyone has his own career, his own decisions, and you know what I can say is that I really enjoyed the time together with Marc in Chelsea. He also won the Conference League and Club World Cup last season.”
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Spain squad surprised by Cucurella move
While it had become clear that Cucurella was keen to leave Chelsea after their 10th placed finish in the Premier League, the speed of the move came as a surprise to many.
Dani Olmo admitted he was stunned at how quick the deal was done, although was looking forward to El Clasico clashes against him.
The majority of the squad are happy for him, and Madrid now actually have a player in the Spain side for this World Cup.
They look likely to top their group following a dominant win over Saudi Arabia, despite their shocking draw with Cape Verde.
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