Cesar Azpilicueta puts football return on hold after retirement

Cesar Azpilicueta says he needs time away from football after retiring from playing, despite completing a qualification that could support a future move into club leadership. In an interview with BBC Sport, the former Chelsea captain said he no longer had the energy to commit fully to another season and was now concentrating on family life.

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The 37-year-old, who spent last season at Sevilla, was speaking at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium while collecting a diploma in global football sport directorship through the PFA Business School. Asked whether he might eventually become a sporting director, he left that possibility open without committing to it. For now, he wants to spend time with his family, play golf and enjoy a change after 20 years organised around training, matches and travel.

Azpilicueta told the BBC that even casual football with friends was not something he could currently contemplate because it would bring out his competitive instincts. He said he probably remained capable of playing, but distinguished that from having the energy required for a full campaign. His decision to stop therefore reflected the commitment he felt the job demanded, rather than a claim that he could no longer perform.

Education has accompanied the later stages of his career. His qualifications also include a Harvard Business School diploma, while he studied towards an MBA in business management at the Berlin School of Business and Innovation. Before captaining Chelsea against Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final, he turned to coursework when he could not manage his usual pre-match nap. He said studying helped divert his attention from the pressure surrounding the game.

His playing journey began at Osasuna and continued at Marseille before his move to Chelsea in 2012. Reflecting on his development in London, Azpilicueta described adapting to different managers and defensive positions, including left-back, wing-back and centre-back in a three-man defence. He also credited learning away from football with helping him become a more confident leader.

Azpilicueta left Chelsea in 2023 and told BBC Sport he has not returned to Stamford Bridge since. He continues to follow the club’s matches and intends to visit again, but made clear that such a return would not involve playing. Any professional role beyond retirement remains undecided while he takes his break.