Cesar Azpilicueta’s best games

Osasuna 1 Getafe 0

February 28, 2007 Copa del Rey

“The most special day of your career is when you make your senior debut. To play for Osasuna when I was an academy player aged 17 was something I dreamed of, but I was so nervous. I got the call from my reserve-team manager two days before the match. It was the second leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final – we lost 3-0 in the first leg, but won the second leg and I got an assist! I couldn’t play more than about an hour – I was completely burned out after giving everything for the team.”

Chelsea 6 Wolves 0

September 25, 2012 League Cup

“I’d been looking forward to my Chelsea debut and was excited when I signed. Roberto Di Matteo was the coach at the time. I’d arrived from Marseille in August and didn’t have a lot of opportunities, but my job was to work hard and get into the team as soon as possible. He trusted me that day. I’d lived the Stamford Bridge atmosphere from the bench, but that’s nothing compared to walking out of the tunnel and playing. I was 22 and had experience in Spain, France and the Champions League, but at a big club like Chelsea, it’s something different.”

Spain 3 Uruguay 1

February 6, 2013 International friendly

“My national team debut is a moment I’m proud of, and the game was in Qatar! Spain vs Uruguay in Qatar? It was like Chelsea vs Arsenal in Baku. I’d come through the youth ranks with Spain and been the captain in almost every age group. We had an amazing team, who had won two Euros and the 2010 World Cup. My Chelsea team-mates, Juan Mata and Fernando Torres, were there too, which helped make things easier for me. Vicente del Bosque, the coach, was calm and easy-going. I didn’t know I was playing until the final meeting. I was playing right-back, against Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. The day you play for your country for the first time is special for your whole family.”

Chelsea 4 Arsenal 1

May 29, 2019 Europa League final

“I was the captain, and it was amazing to lead the team and lift the trophy [left]. I know it was a long way to Baku for the fans, which wasn’t great, but we only have good memories when we look back at the score. I’ve won a few trophies with Chelsea. Winning the 2016-17 Premier League and playing in every minute of that season is an achievement I’m very proud of, because that wasn’t easy. But to lead the team in a European final, against Arsenal, is something which has to be at the top for me.” Alex Jennings

Cesar Azpilicueta was speaking at a Hublot event