Cesar Azplicueta reveals why he refused to join Barcelona.
The veteran defender confessed that he considered joining Barcelona this summer ending his ten-year spell with the Blues.
But the 32-year-old finally penned a two-year contract at Stamford Bridge and granted Tuchel’s wish who wanted him to stay.
“Yes the conversations were there [with Barcelona],” he told The Standard.
“After the Club World Cup, where I became the only player to ever win every trophy, I felt it was the time to go back. But then everything happened with this club. I wanted to stay committed to the club. I never did anything against my club.
“We had private conversations where I said everything. We had players leaving and I have never been in a transfer market situation in 10 years. It was different. For a period I was a free agent and who knows what could have happened in that period.
Then a meeting with the new owners changed the Spaniard’s mind.
“I had a meeting with the new owners. They wanted me to stay here to lead the team both on and off the pitch. It’s a big thank you to them,” he added.
“They were very honest and transparent from the first day. I felt a responsibility to stay here in my home. My family are happy here. We have a new project with new players and youngsters coming in. I feel right and ready to look forward.”
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