Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta don officially announce im retirement from professional football at age 36. Di 44-cap Spain international, wey play for Osasuna, Marseille, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, tok say im don decide to close dis chapter after 20 seasons for di elite.
For im emotional statement for social media, Azpilicueta write say: ‘Today, I want to share with you that dis season go be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel say time don reach to start new chapter for my life.’
Di defender, wey born for Zizur Mayor for 1989, start im career for Osasuna academy and debut for first team for 2007. Im play 99 official matches for Osasuna before im move go Marseille for 2010, where im win two trophies: Coupe de la Ligue and Trophee des Champions.
For 2012, Azpilicueta join Chelsea and become club legend. Im play 508 matches for Stamford Bridge, win Champions League, two Premier League titles, two Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Im even captain di Blues to Champions League glory for 2021, defeating Manchester City for final.
After two seasons for Atletico Madrid, im move go Sevilla for last summer. Im go play im final match dis Saturday for di last La Liga fixture.
Azpilicueta also represent Spain for three World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022) and two European Championships (2016, 2020). Im score one goal for di national team.
For im farewell message, im thank teammates, coaches and staff of all clubs wey im play for. Im also express gratitude to fans wey support am throughout im career.
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