Cesar Azpilicueta has attributed Chelsea’s relentless winning mentality to being the breeding ground for the mental sharpness that has kept him going for two decades. The 37-year-old former defender also earned a diploma in global football sport directorship at the PFA Business School, alongside a Harvard Business School diploma and an MBA.
Azpilicueta arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2012 as a relatively low-profile £7m signing, joining a dressing room that included the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Petr Cech, Fernando Torres, Eden Hazard and Ashley Cole. He later succeeded Gary Cahill as captain, culminating in victory in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.
Azpilicueta spoke about the tough environment he grew up in:
“When you arrive at Chelsea, you feel the ambition straight away. Every three days you have to win. Every game and every trophy matters. That culture pushed me to the maximum and, especially when I left Chelsea, I felt that I had given everything I had for the club.”
He spoke of starting as a right-winger, moving to Marseille, and then finding his way at Chelsea, where he played left-back, wing-back, and centre-back. His progress was about consistency, fitness and adaptability under different managers, and he studied rather than napped before the 2021 final in Porto. The MBA studies gave him peace of mind from the pressure and the noise of the streets of the Portuguese city, he says.
His studies also gave him the confidence to represent Premier League players during the Covid-19 pandemic and to help the club function after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned.
Azpilicueta Leaves Door Open For Sporting Director Role
Azpilicueta, who began his career at his boyhood club Osasuna and then learned French at Marseille, did not rule out becoming a sporting director but insists he needs a break after two decades of constant travelling and preparation. He had a season at Sevilla before retiring and now plans to spend time with his family and play golf. He even admits that casual football with friends is inconceivable, for it would awaken his fierce competitive instincts.
He hasn’t been back to Stamford Bridge since his departure in 2023, but he watches every Chelsea game and is convinced Xabi Alonso, the staff and players can bring the fans joy. He also believes captain Reece James will become a stronger leader after the summer signings of Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck and Emiliano Martinez.
Azpilicueta was asked if he might get a warm welcome at the ground and responded:
“I don’t know about that. I will come back one day. I won’t be putting on my boots, though.”
Chelsea will look to resume their Premier League campaign when they host Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on 10 October.