“It’s a compliment that a club like Barca are interested” – Chelsea star is flattered by attention from Spain

 

César Azpilicueta seems to be everyone’s favourite.

The fans love him, with social media pressure for him to the club’s next captain. Teammates love him, and the way he goes about his job for Chelsea. And managers love him, Antonio Conte has been hugely pleased with the Spanish defender, and Jose Mourinho once said he’d like a team full of César Azpilicuetas.

Unsurprisingly the admiration continues outside the club, and in recent weeks Azpilicueta has been linked with Barcelona. The 27 year old is one of many right sided defenders who have been linked with Barcelona, as they look to strengthen a weak area of the squad.

There’s been nothing overly serious, but Spanish newspaper Marca have asked Azpilicueta about the recent rumours, and, whilst clearly pleased, the former Marseille player made sure to reaffirm his commitment to Premier League champions Chelsea.

“It’s a compliment that a club like Barça are interested in you,” Azpilicueta told Marca. “Last year, after a bad season on the collective level, we didn’t have those type of rumours”

The Chelsea star went on to explain that being champions naturally brings attention, but he added: “I am very happy here. I feel very valued by the club and I do not think of anything else.”