Former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta announces retirement from football

Former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has announced his retirement from professional football. 

The Spaniard is set to end an illustrious career that has spanned more than two decades at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old has confirmed that he will say his goodbyes when Sevilla visit Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Azpilicueta kicked off his career at Osasuna before joining Olympique Marseille in Ligue 1, where he established himself as one of the finest full-backs in Europe.

His standout performances at Marseille earned him a move to Chelsea in 2012, where he went on to etch his name in the club’s history books.

Chelsea paid around £6.5 million to sign Azpilicueta from Marseille, a move that turned out to be one of the best value-for-money bargains in Premier League history.

Azpilicueta spent over a decade at Stamford Bridge, bagging 17 goals and 51 assists in 508 appearances. He also won every major trophy available during his 11-year stay.

His honours included two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, two Europa League trophies, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Champions League title.

Azpilicueta also earned 44 caps for the Spanish national team. He left Chelsea in 2023 to join Atletico Madrid, before moving to Sevilla last summer.

In a post on X, Azpilicueta said: “Dear football. Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer.

“After 20 seasons, many people have played an important role in my career.

“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.

“To my teammates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I’ve been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day.

“Wearing the shirts of Osasuna, Marseille, Chelsea, Atletico de Madrid, Sevilla, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me.”