Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel has told the club’s captain Cesar Azpilicueta that it is an ‘honour’ and a ‘pleasure’ to coach him.
The Spanish defender, described as ‘fantastic’ by his boss, has been a mainstay at the club since he joined the Blues from Marseille in 2012.
Now 32-year-old, Azpilicueta made his 300th Premier League appearance for the Stamford Bridge outfit before the international break and has helped them win two league titles, the Champions League, the Europa League and FA Cup over the past nine years.
Tuchel hailed the Spaniard for reaching 300 league appearances and described the Spanish defender as a fantastic player on and off the pitch
“What a fantastic achievement. This is fantastic and the guy totally deserves it,” Tuchel told Chelsea’s official website.
“To play 300 matches at that kind of level and to win so many trophies, you deserve it. There is no luck behind it, it is all down to hard work and determination.
“It is a pure pleasure to be his coach and an honour. Azpi is so focused and honest.
“He is a fantastic captain, a great player and just a really good guy too.”
Azpilicueta has led Chelsea to two victories out of the three Premier League games played so far. The Blues’ last match before the International break was a 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
Tuchel’s side will face Aston Villa on Saturday with the 32-year-old hoping to be in the starting lineup for the Champions League title holders.