•Cesar Azpilicueta
Former Chelsea FC captain and Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season.
The 36-year-old, who currently plays for Sevilla FC, confirmed the decision today, bringing an end to a distinguished career that saw him win major honours, including two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea.
“After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life,” Azpilicueta said in a statement shared on social media.
“I’m grateful for every moment — the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.”
Azpilicueta earned 44 caps for Spain and built a reputation as one of the most reliable and versatile defenders of his generation, featuring at right-back, centre-back, and left-back throughout his career.
He began his professional journey with CA Osasuna before moving to Olympique de Marseille and later joining Chelsea in 2012, where he spent over a decade and rose to become club captain.
Following his departure from Stamford Bridge, he joined Atletico Madrid in 2023 before moving to Sevilla last summer.
His final appearance is expected to come tomorrow when Sevilla take on Celta Vigo in their last game of the season.
