CESAR: CHAMPIONS WON’T LIVE IN PAST

CESAR AZPILICUETA needs no reminder of the horrors that can greet Chelsea when they are the defending European champions.

He joined the Stamford Bridge club just after they won the Champions League in 2012, only to see them crash out in the group stage the following season – costing winning manager Roberto Di Matteo his job.

“It was a very bad experience, quite painful,” said the Spain international.

“I came from Marseille and we reached the quarter-finals. So when I arrived to Chelsea, after they won the Champions League, it was tough to be out in the group stage.

“I am the only one in the squad from that moment and I will try with my experience to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

The Blues captain (above) will make sure his team-mates are thoroughly aware that being champions does not bring the west

London club any advantages as they begin their campaign against Zenit St Petersburg tonight.

“We don’t get any more points this season because we were champions,” said the right-back. “I know how football works, I know you cannot live in the past, you have to show it every day.

“We start from zero. Everybody wants to be champions of Europe. We have to be ready and hopefully we can improve.

“We have an exciting season ahead and we want to fight for everything.”

Azpilicueta’s current contract runs out at the end of the season, but he remains hopeful of plenty more Chelsea adventures in future.

“I don’t have concerns,” the 32-year-old added. “My contract ends in June but I am focused now on what is next. I don’t need to say anything more.

“Everything will come by itself. I love to be here.

“I have felt loved since I arrived and my aim is to be here for as long as I can.”