Chelsea captain Azpilicueta: There were talks with Barcelona | OneFootball

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta admits a move to Barcelona was close this summer.

He was due to be out of contract at the end of last season before triggering a one-year extension after hitting a pre-agreed number of appearances in March.

The 32 year-old defender said: "I am really happy. Of course, it has been a crazy last few months. It felt right to carry on my journey here in a new project and I am really looking forward to the new season.

"It's true that it is a very rare situation. For a period I was a free agent and who knows what could have happened in that period. I was out of contract until March. I played the games [to trigger a one year renewal] but the club was still under sanctions so everybody can talk for you and your name.

"I decided to stay silent because I think there was already enough noise around me.

"My actions spoke for themselves. I stayed committed to the club, I played the games and that's even though I didn't know what was going to happen. The new owners arrived and we had very honest conversations. I decided that it was right to stay at home.

"The conversations were there [with Barcelona]. All surrounding the club. 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 [to Spain]. 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."

New co-ower Todd Boehly was particularly keen to keep Azpilicueta such was the importance he placed on the Spaniard and his leadership qualities.

Azpilicueta told the Daily Mail: "I am really excited otherwise [I wouldn't sign]. I am very honest and I had conversations with them. We expressed our opinions and I had a meeting with the 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.

"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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