EPL: You can stay or leave Stamford Bridge – Tuchel tells ‘fantastic’ Chelsea star

Thomas Tuchel has told Cesar Azpilicueta that it is in his hands to decide whether to stay or leave the club.

The German said this amid growing concerns that the Spaniard could leave the club in the summer.

Azpilcueta’s current deal runs out at the end of the season and the player is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1.

The Spain international and Chelsea are yet to agree new terms at Stamford Bridge.

The right-back has attracted interest from Barcelona, with talks said to be at an advanced stage.

He has only played 11 times in the Premier League so far this season, however, Tuchel feels the 32-year-old is free to decide his future.

“I don’t see any problem here. The situation between Azpi, me and the club is very clear. He is our captain,” Tuchel told reporters ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Wolves.

“He has all possibilities to stay here as long as possible and become the legend he already is. He is a fantastic captain and a fantastic player.

“If there are some weeks where he does not play so much, like in the last weeks, there are some reasons.

“First of all, he was injured in his shoulder. Second of all, the team played very strong in his positions with Trevoh [Chalobah] and Andreas [Christensen], and at wing-back with Reece [James].

“That’s how it is. If there is any player who knows it is like this, it’s Azpi. He is very calm. He has everything in his own hands. I see no signs we should be worried about it.”