EPL: ‘I feel the love’ – Azpilicueta speaks out after surprise new contract

Cesar Azpilicueta thanked Chelsea’s new owners after being persuaded to ditch plans to sign for Barcelona and sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

The LaLiga giants were thought to be the Spaniard’s preferred destination this summer but on Thursday night he put pen to paper on a one-year extension, which featured a pay rise to £150,000-a-week.

I am really happy to extend my stay at Chelsea, my home. It is almost 10 years since I first arrived and joined the club. I really feel the love of our fans and I am really excited for the new project we have in our hands… pic.twitter.com/wia6DEjvKI

— César Azpilicueta (@CesarAzpi) August 4, 2022

“I am really happy to extend my stay at Chelsea, my home,” he told the club website.

“It is almost 10 years since I first arrived and joined the club so I really feel the love and I am really excited for the new project we have in our hands.

Chelsea knows Chelsea. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/380WIi1nXu

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 4, 2022

“I would like to say thank you to Mr Todd and Mr Behdad for giving me the opportunity to keep my journey at this amazing club and I am really looking forward to continuing our adventure. I am a really proud captain and I hope we can share many good memories together.”

Chelsea bosses paid tribute to Azpilicueta after he committed his future to the club.

Loved up! 🥰 pic.twitter.com/UM1Puex0dS

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 4, 2022

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Co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano said: “Cesar is a world-class leader on and off the pitch. He’s a Chelsea legend and exemplifies so many of the qualities and values as a player and a person we aspire to.

“We couldn’t be more excited for Cesar to be at Chelsea under our ownership as we continue to work to build a champion squad.”

Todd Boehly added: “We are so happy that Cesar is staying at Chelsea for a minimum of two more years. We are thrilled with our captain showing his exemplary commitment and leadership yet again. There is still so much to do together.”