Cesar Azpilicueta actually wanted to switch to FC Barcelona in the summer. Now the Spanish international has revealed why the transfer fell through and why he stayed at Chelsea instead.
Barça made intense efforts for Azpilicueta in the 2021/22 season, as did his then-teammate Marcos Alonso. While the left-back eventually made the move to the Camp Nou, Chelsea’s captain didn’t follow suit.
Azpilicueta signed a new two-year contract at Stamford Bridge in the summer. Before the World Cup round of 16 between Spain and Morocco, he explained his view of things.
“At Chelsea [last season] I played less than 30 games and I would have been a free agent. That had never happened to me in my life. But the new owners came and showed me how much they want that I’m staying,” he said.
“London is my home and my children speak better English than Spanish. When I made the decision [to stay at Chelsea], Xavi understood her. When things are clear, they will be understood.”
Azpilicueta has made 17 appearances for Chelsea this season and is a regular under new coach Graham Potter.
He has appeared in two of Spain’s previous World Cup appearances and provided an assist in the defeat by Japan.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Cesar Azpilicueta on Barca’s failed move.
