Why I Turn Down Barcelona – Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta has provided an explanation for his decision to stay with Chelsea rather than accept a transfer to Barcelona.

When the 33-year-old defender’s contract at Stamford Bridge expired in 2021–2022, it looked like he would be going for free agency, but regular football in west London led to new terms being proposed that will keep him there through 2024.

Azpilicueta, the club captain at Chelsea, is pleased to be approaching 500 games for the Blues and believes staying in England was the right choice for him despite receiving interest from back in his native Spain.

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Azpilicueta stated to Cadena Ser that if he stayed with Premier League powerhouse Chelsea after they acquired new ownership, he would already be a free agent after playing less than 30 games. Never in my life had it happened to me. When the new owners arrived, they expressed a wish to stay for me.

The seasoned full-back continued, “London is my home, and my children understand English better than Spanish. I turned down interest from Camp Nou. I believe Xavi was aware of my decision when I made it. Things are understood if they are clear.

Azpilicueta has been a member of Chelsea since 2012, and during his tenure with the club, he has won two Premier League championships, one in the Champions League, two in the Europa League, and one in the Club World Cup.