Thomas Tuchel has spoken out about Cesar Azpilicueta’s future at Chelsea amid growing concerns that he could leave the club in the summer.
Azpilcueta’s current contract runs out at the end of the season and is free to sign to a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1, should he be unable to agree new terms at Stamford Bridge before then.
The Spain international has attracted interest from Barcelona, with reports in Spain previously suggesting that the deal was at an advanced stage.
The report also stated that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is already preparing ‘a farewell with magnificence’ for when he leaves the club.
Chelsea’s current club captain has only played 11 times in the Premier League so far this season, with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Trevoh Chalobah, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva often preferred at centre-back.
However, Tuchel continues to remain calm over the 32-year-old’s future in west London, describing him as ‘a fantastic captain and a fantastic player.’
‘I don’t see any problem here. The situation between Azpi, me and the club is very clear. He is our captain,’ Tuchel told reporters ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Wolves.
‘He has all possibilities to stay here as long as possible and become the legend he already is. He is a fantastic captain and a fantastic player.
‘If there are some weeks where he does not play so much, like in the last weeks, there are some reasons.
‘First of all, he was injured in his shoulder. Second of all, the team played very strong in his positions with Trevoh [Chalobah] and Andreas [Christensen], and at wing-back with Reece [James].
‘That’s how it is. If there is any player who knows it is like this, it’s Azpi. He is very calm. He has everything in his own hands. I see no signs we should be worried about it.’
MORE : Chelsea, Newcastle United and Leicester City consider January moves for Everton defender Lucas Digne
MORE : Premier League reject Chelsea’s request to postpone Wolves clash over Covid-19 absentees
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Football News Click Here
