Chelsea defender signs new long-term deal

 

Chelsea announced on Tuesday morning Cesar Azpilicueta has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal running until 2022.

 

Azpilicueta had 18 months left to run on his previous deal but Chelsea have moved to secure the defender’s best remaining years.

 

The 29-year-old has spent the last six years at Chelsea and has developed into one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League in that time.

 

Barcelona were linked with a move for the Spain international last year but Azpilicueta has now pledged his long-term future to Chelsea.

 

“Cesar is one of our longest-serving players and has proven to be a fantastic acquisition over the past six years,” club director Marina Granovskaia told Chelsea’s official website.

 

“His professionalism and consistency in that time have been second to none and he has also developed into one of the squad’s most influential players.

 

“This new contract will take Cesar to 10 seasons at Chelsea, and we hope that over the next four years he will be a key part of our success.”

 

 

Antonio Conte converted Azpilicueta into a centre-back for two seasons but new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has reverted the Spaniard back to right-back this term.

 

Azpilicueta has made more accurate passes (5403) than any other defender since the start of the 2016/17 Premier League campaign.