Finishing his most recent course underlines Azpilicueta’s eagerness to learn and his commitment to continually improving himself.
He developed that mindset at Chelsea, where he joined for a relatively modest fee of £7m and entered a dressing room featuring experienced leaders such as John Terry, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech, as well as prominent players including Fernando Torres, Eden Hazard and Ashley Cole.
He said: “I began my career on the right wing, went to France and later signed for Chelsea. I did not arrive as a major name, so I had to establish myself. I played at left-back, wing-back and as a central defender in a back three.
“Consistency was essential. I needed to train hard, remain healthy and adjust to various coaches and roles.
“The moment you join Chelsea, the club’s ambition is obvious. You are expected to deliver a victory every few days, with each match and every piece of silverware carrying importance.
“That winning environment drove me to my limits. When my time at Chelsea ended, I knew I had devoted everything I could to the club.”
Azpilicueta also described how studying beyond football helped him mature into a leader at Stamford Bridge.
That experience gave him the assurance to speak on behalf of Premier League footballers during the Covid-19 crisis. It also enabled him to coordinate projects and provide stability after Roman Abramovich faced sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
His standout achievement arrived with the Champions League final triumph in 2021.
After taking over the captaincy from Terry and later Gary Cahill, Azpilicueta firmly established himself as one of Chelsea’s finest leaders. However, he disclosed that he has not visited Stamford Bridge since departing in 2023.
He was one of many footballers who moved on after ownership passed from Abramovich to the present American-backed group in 2022.
“Although I am no longer at Chelsea, the club will forever be part of me,” he said. “I watch every match and want to see the team return to the level it should occupy.
“There are several excellent sides competing at the moment, and progress in football can take time. Players must build relationships, spend time on the pitch together and learn how their team-mates operate.
“Expectations will always be significant at a club of Chelsea’s stature. That is understandable because ambition and pressure should come with representing such a team. As a supporter, I naturally want the club to keep collecting trophies.
“I believe [manager] Xabi [Alonso], his coaching team and the squad can achieve positive results. I hope their efforts give the supporters plenty to celebrate.”
He has continued to watch current Chelsea captain Reece James and believes he can develop into an even stronger leader, particularly following the summer arrivals of experienced players Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck and Emiliano Martinez.
Asked whether he could eventually return to Stamford Bridge in another role and receive an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd, Azpilicueta replied humbly: “I am not sure about that.
“I will return at some point, but it will not be as a player.”
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