Cesar Azpilicueta, now retired, reflects on his leadership at Chelsea and how education shaped his career. Before the 2021 Champions League final, he studied for an MBA instead of napping, later lifting the trophy against Manchester City. Azpilicueta emphasized education's importance, pursuing courses during Covid-19 to improve himself in another language.
He recently collected a diploma in global football sport directorship at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, adding to qualifications including Harvard Business School. Now 37, he jokes about becoming a sporting director but says football has left him needing a post-career break. At a different life stage, he cannot play football casually without triggering competitive instincts.
For 20 years he traveled constantly, but this summer felt completely different. Joining Chelsea in 2012 as a £7m signing, he learned from leaders like John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Petr Cech. Education helped him become a leader at Stamford Bridge, representing players during the pandemic and organizing initiatives after Roman Abramovich's sanctions.
His defining moment was captaining Chelsea to the 2021 Champions League victory.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing