Cesar Azpilicueta reveals new Chelsea owners changed his plans amid Barcelona transfer link

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta says the club’s new owners convinced him not to sign for Barcelona.

The Spaniard was heavily linked with a move to La Liga’s giants during the summer transfer window, but chose to remain at Stamford Bridge.

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Azpilicueta was set to leave the club at the end of last season upon the expiration of his contract, but his deal was extended when he played a certain number of games.

Barcelona still showed interest in a move during the transfer window, but the 33-year-old showed his intent by signing the deal and staying at Chelsea.

Speaking via Spanish newspaper AS, he has now revealed the reason why he opted not to move back to Spain: “At Chelsea I played less than 30 games and I was already a free agent.

“It had never happened to me in my life. But the new owners arrived and they showed me the desire to stay with me”.

The defender added: “London is my home and my children speak English better than Spanish.

“When I made the decision I think [Barcelona head coach] Xavi understood it. If things are clear, they are understood.”

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In May, Chelsea were taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital following Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell the club.

They then made the decision to offer Azpilicueta a new deal, with the captain now in his 11th season at Chelsea.

He has made 493 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, and has won every major trophy possible during his time in the English capital.

Azpilicueta will surely go down as one of the club’s finest ever players given his loyalty and quality, with the Spain international clearly feeling right at home on the King’s Road.