One of the most consistent and adaptive player to grace the English football, the Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta can play in any position of the defensive line. From right to left back to wing back and now a center back in Chelsea's three-man defense, Azpilicueta is hailed by many football pundits as the most complete defender. Looking back at past on his move from Marseille with a fee of just $9 million dollars which now seems a fair bargain, Azpilicueta was not bought as a regular starter for Chelsea FC club. Obviously, he had bright future early from his Osasuna days but his injury-laden spell with Marseille was not going to help at all. But as he progressed in Chelsea he replaced a long time serving Ashely Cole in left back position and since then has always featured in various defensive positions at Chelsea FC.
In 2016/17 season Cesar Azpilicueta did not miss a single minute of Premier League match as Chelsea marched towards their 5th Premier title while this season, Chelsea's form has been inconsistent but still Cesar Azplicueta has provided six a s sists and two goals which are an incredible stat for a defensive player.
Early Life And Career Of Cesar Aziplicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta Tanco was born on the 28th August 1989 in Palmpona, Spain. Azpilicueta started his football career from Osasuna CA 's youth system. During his youth career, he played as a striker but later switched to various positions such as midfielder and defense.
He made La Liga debut on 8th April 2007 in a 2-0 loss against Real Madrid when he was 18 years and still registered on the reserve team of Osasuna. In 2007-08 season due to several injuries in the squad, Cesar Azpilicueta was promoted to the first team and was played as right back. He made that position his own and featured 29 times in the league in 2007/08 season. He appeared 108 times for Osasuna across four seasons at the club.
On 21 June 2018, he was transferred to French club Olympique de Marseille in a four-year contract worth $8.2 Million. In his debut Champions League match, he scored an own goal followed by a horrible knee injury. His Marseille career did not start well but he caught his form after his return from the injury. He made 68 appearances for Marseille scoring two goals.
Cesar Azpilicueta's Professional Career
Due to the financial losses of French club Marseille, Cesar Azpilicueta was sold to English side Chelsea FC in fee reported to be around $8.5 Million. Due to his difficult surname, he was nicknamed "Dave" by Chelsea FC. He made his full Premier League debut on 25th September 2012 against Swansea City in a 1-1 draw. In his first season at the club, he made 48 appearances as Rafael Benitez led Chelsea side to win Europa League.
CAPTION: Cesar Azpilicueta's Professional Career SOURCE: Upon the arrival of new manager Jose Mourinho, Cesar Azpilicueta was switched to left back from his usual right position. On 2014/15 season Chelsea bought Filipe Luis but still, Azplicueta was the first choice left back. That season Chelsea won both League Cup and the Premier League title. He was also voted Club's Player of Year at the end of the season.
Azplicueta scored his first goal for Chelsea in a 3-2 win against West Bromwich Albion in August 2015. The 2015/16 season saw the sacking of manager Jose Mourinho and poor performance from Chelsea finishing 10th on the table. After the arrival of new manager, Antonio Conte, Azpilicueta was used as left back in first few games. However, after the change of formation to 3-4-3, he was deployed in the right side of the three-man backline. After the change of formation, Chelsea went on to win 13 games in a row ultimately winning the league title at the end of the season. In 279 games Cesar Azpilicueta played for Chelsea he scored eight goals.
Cesar Azplicueta's International Career
Cesar Azplicueta played several matches for youth ranks of Spanish national team. He was the part of the Spanish Under-19 team that won the UEFA European Championship. As he missed out on Euro 2012, he eventually debuted for the national team on February 2013 in a 3-1 victory against Uruguay.
He was also featured in 2013 Confederation Cup in a 2nd group game against Tahiti in which Spain won by 10-0. He also featured in Spanish national team at FIFA World Cup 2014 but unfortunately, Spain was out of the group stages due to poor performances.
CAPTION: Cesar Azplicueta's International Career SOURCE: He is included in 23 man squad of Spain's National team to feature in Worldcup 2018 Russia.
Cesar Azpilicueta's Networth And Salary
Cesar Azplicueta earns $161,847 as a weekly salary from the club. He owns a luxurious house in London as well as Spain. His estimated net worth is about $15 million which he earns from endorsements deals with Nike and salaries from club and country.
Though being a rich footballer Azplicueta is focused on working hard and is not interested in displaying his wealth. Previously he used to drives a Range Rover and Mercedes GLS car to training. He can buy three cars per week from his salary.
Cesar Azpilicueta's Personal Life
Cesar Azplicueta is a one man woman and is married to his childhood sweetheart Adriana Azplicueta. The couple married in June 2015 in Pamplona, Spain. Azplicueta's wife likes to keep her private life secret. The couple has one son born in March 2014.
Azplicueta has an older brother named Juan Pablo Azpilicueta who is also a footballer and plays in Spanish lower league football as a midfielder. Besides football, he likes to watch Bull fighting which is quite popular in his home country Spain. He has a pet dog of the Maneto breed.
by ab-ranjan, 23 May, 2018
