'That inspires you to win all the trophies that you can': Cesar Azpilicueta aims to follow the example of Chelsea greats after assuming leadership role at the club

  • Cesar Azpilicueta is humbled to be taking on captain's duties at Chelsea
  • He revealed he learnt a lot from examples set by John Terry while at the club
  • Chelsea next face West ham aiming to maintain unbeaten start to the season 

For 13 years, there was no argument: John Terry was Chelsea captain. Last season Gary Cahill wore the armband. 

But under Maurizio Sarri, the new leader of Chelsea is Cesar Azpilicueta, even if he hasn't officially confirmed the Spaniard as permanent captain yet.

But given that he is always in the first team and, with Cahill, Luiz and Hazard, among the longest serving players, he now assumes the responsibility once shouldered by Terry.

Cesar Azpilicueta believes he is thriving in a leadership role at Chelsea as a senior player

Cesar Azpilicueta believes he is thriving in a leadership role at Chelsea as a senior player

'I'm very proud to lead the team,' says Azpilicueta, citing Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba as the senior pros from whom he learned. 


'When I came here, you're ambitious and I had a chance to learn from some big players in the dressing room.' 

Terry has previously likened him to Lampard in his consistency for Chelsea and Azpilicueta said: 'This comparison is very big because all of these players are a big part of Chelsea history and they won amazing titles.

'To have had all of them around in the dressing room, to see how they were competing, the hunger they had winning trophies; they always wanted more, in every training session. 

You learn a lot. And on the pitch that helps you in different situations.' 

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has handed Azpilicueta a greater leadership role than before

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has handed Azpilicueta a greater leadership role than before

'I played a lot of times with John when I was left-back. 

'The competitiveness, a big part is natural; you have it or you don't have it. 

'But another part is when you see people with experience and they still compete, that inspires you to do so the same and win all the trophies that you can and grow the history of the club.' 

Former captain John Terry has served as a great role model for Azpilicueta in his approach

Former captain John Terry has served as a great role model for Azpilicueta in his approach

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.