Cesar Azpilicueta prioritises family break after retirement and new diploma

Cesar Azpilicueta says he is taking a break from football after retiring, with family life taking priority over an immediate move into another role in the sport. In an interview published by BBC Sport, the former Chelsea captain explained that he no longer had the energy to commit fully to another season, despite believing he could still play.

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The 37-year-old spent last season at Sevilla before ending a playing career that lasted two decades. He told the BBC he now wanted to spend time with his family, play golf and enjoy a different routine after years organised around matches, travel and preparation. Even informal games with friends hold little appeal for now, he said, because they would bring out his competitive instincts.

Azpilicueta spoke while collecting a diploma in global football sport directorship through the PFA Business School at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Asked whether he might eventually become a sporting director, he left that possibility open without committing to it. His qualifications also include a diploma from Harvard Business School, while he has studied business management through an MBA at the Berlin School of Business and Innovation.

Education remained important throughout his playing career. Azpilicueta told BBC Sport that his parents had encouraged him to complete school and achieve good grades before he became a professional at 17. He said studying was a way to keep learning, including in another language, rather than simply preparing for retirement. He credited that work with helping him through his final playing years and developing his ability to lead.

One example came before Chelsea's 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City. Unable to take his usual pre-match nap, Azpilicueta turned to his business studies to distract himself from the pressure and the noise outside in Porto. Later that day he captained Chelsea to victory. He made 508 appearances across 11 years at the London club, placing him sixth on its all-time appearance list, according to the BBC.

Azpilicueta began his career at Osasuna and played for Marseille before joining Chelsea in 2012. He left Stamford Bridge in 2023 and said he has not returned since, although he continues to follow every Chelsea match. He intends to visit again one day, but made clear that a return would not involve resuming his playing career.