Ex-Chelsea player, César Azpilicueta has reflected on the profound influence Chelsea had on his career, saying the club’s demanding culture helped shape him into the player and leader he became as reported by BBC Sport on Sunday.

The former Chelsea captain joined the club from Marseille in 2012 for around £7 million, arriving without the profile of a major star.

But through hard work, consistency and his willingness to adapt, he established himself as one of the club’s most trusted players.

Azpilicueta began his career as a right winger before moving into defensive positions, eventually playing at left-back, wing-back and centre-back.

At Chelsea, he also had to adapt to different managers and tactical systems while competing alongside established leaders such as John Terry, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech.

“I had to find my way,” Azpilicueta said. “It was about consistency. I had to work hard to stay fit, adapt to different managers and different positions.”

He said Chelsea’s relentless pursuit of success pushed him to improve throughout his 11 years at the club.

“When you arrive at Chelsea, you feel the ambition straight away. Every three days you have to win. Every game and every trophy matters,” he said.

“That culture pushed me to the maximum and, especially when I left Chelsea, I felt that I had given everything I had for the club.”

Azpilicueta eventually succeeded Terry and Gary Cahill as Chelsea captain and reached the pinnacle of his career in 2021, when he led the club to Champions League glory against Manchester City.

His development, however, extended beyond the pitch. Azpilicueta placed a strong emphasis on education throughout his playing career, completing business studies and later earning further qualifications in football management and leadership.

He believes that learning away from football helped him become a better leader and gave him the confidence to represent fellow Premier League players during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After leaving Chelsea in 2023, Azpilicueta spent his final season at Sevilla before retiring from professional football.

Although he has been linked with a possible future in football administration, he says he is currently enjoying a different stage of life with his family.

Despite leaving Stamford Bridge, his connection with Chelsea remains strong.

“I left Chelsea, but Chelsea will always stay in my heart,” he said. “I follow every game and I hope the club comes back to where it belongs.”

Azpilicueta believes Chelsea’s current players and manager can restore the club to its former heights, while insisting that the expectations at Stamford Bridge should remain high.

“At a big club like Chelsea, the demands are high. But I think that’s normal.

It should be demanding and ambitious because, speaking as a Chelsea fan, you always want to see the club winning trophies.”

For a player who arrived as an understated signing and departed as a Champions League-winning captain, Azpilicueta’s Chelsea story is one built on adaptability, discipline and a constant desire to improve.