Cesar Azpilicueta says he was inspired to work hard and earn his place at Chelsea FC due to the dressing room full of legends he met upon arriving at the club.
The 33-year-old spoke in a chat with Chelsea’s media team on Friday as he bid the club farewell after 11 years.
The defender was in tears as he left the London club after making 508 appearances and winning nine trophies.
The Spaniard, who had a year left on his Chelsea contract, is expected to join Atletico Madrid soon.
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Speaking on his time at Chelsea, Azplicueta said the club and its accomplishment and array of quality players spurred him into a more hardworking player.
He added that the challenge at the club helped him achieve his dream of being a top-class player.
“When I arrived, I met Champions League winners. The dressing room was full of club legends, and I knew that I must work hard to earn my place. I remember the first game at an academy pitch with under-23, and it made me realise that I must work hard to be able to play here,” Azplicueta said.
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“I would like to say so many things, but I am going to keep it short.
“I want to say every time you are part of this club. You give your best. That is 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 is easier to go down a different path.
“That is the moment to show the personality, the soul of the club, all together, pushing in the same direction.”
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Azpilicueta joined Chelsea from Marseille for $6.5 million in August 2012.
He went on to score 17 goals for The Blues and succeeded Gary Cahill as captain in 2019.
The Spaniard is the latest footballer to leave Chelsea during the ongoing transfer window.
Ngolo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Kalidou Koulibaly have also left Stamford Bridge as part of huge revamping going on in the club.
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