César Azpilicueta Retires from Football at 36

César Azpilicueta, a former Chelsea captain and Spain international defender, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36. He currently plays for Sevilla, having joined the club last summer after a stint at Atlético Madrid in 2023.

Azpilicueta's final match will be against Celta Vigo on Saturday. Throughout his career, he won two Premier League titles and a Champions League title with Chelsea, where he made 44 appearances for the Spanish national team.

He expressed gratitude for the experiences and friendships gained during his career, stating it was time to start a new chapter in his life. Azpilicueta began his professional career at Osasuna before moving to Marseille in France and then to Chelsea in 2012, where he showcased his versatility by playing as a right-back and center-back, ultimately becoming the club's captain.