Azpilicueta: Cesc is special

Cesar Azpilicueta hopes Barcelona midfielder and Spain colleague Cesc Fabregas signs in at Chelsea as he rates the ex-Arsenal man very highly.

AS reports the defender as being reluctant to talk too much about Fabregas’ proposed move to Stamford Bridge, but he did say he believes Fabregas would do well with the Blues.

Azpilicueta also spoke about the prospect of playing at his first World Cup, being in the same team as Xavi Hernandez, and how he has found playing outside Spain.

“Sharing a dressing room with [Xavi] is an honour,” Azpi said.

“He’s an example and a reference point for Barca and Spain. With the level he’s at and what he’s won, I’m satisfied to share a dressing room with him.

“I’ve been told good things about four years ago and I hope we can repeat them.

“The players can’t and don’t describe what it was like. It’s something you have to feel in person. My only wish is to repeat it. I did as a fan and hopefully can experience it.

“[The Netherlands] was the last game of the last World Cup, the final, and it’s clear that we will want to win but so will they. Everyone likes to play these games.

“That’s the goal of this group, to be at our best for the first game, but we know it will be difficult.”

Azpi was asked about his experience of playing in a number of different positions, having spent time away from his preferred right-back station.

“It’s true that this season I played in three different positions,” he replied.

“My first job as a professional was right wing but I’ve more experience at right-back. This year I was on the left and I was happy with my progression.

“I prefer to play in several different positions to make myself available to the boss.

“Personally I think it’s very nice [to play outside Spain]. I’ve been away for four years and in two different countries.

“It’s something that makes you grow as a person and a professional, to experience different cultures. Of course I would recommend it to Cesc.”

On the subject of the Barca playmaker, Azpilicueta stressed he was speaking from his point of view, not representing his club.

“At the moment there is nothing official. He’s a Barca player,” the former Marseille man began.

“I can say what I know of him and he’s a great player, with a lot of experience in the Premier League. Great players are always welcome at the big clubs.

“Personally I think he’s special. Few teams have that kind of player, a midfielder who arrives [in the penalty area] and has great vision. His numbers say so.

“He adapts well to various positions and Chelsea don’t have a player like him.”

Tags Azpilicueta Chelsea Fabregas Spain
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