'I knew what they were like' - Azpilicueta explains bluff in Club World Cup win

Azpilicueta was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona leading up to the January transfer window, but instead stayed at Stamford Bridge, and has again played a huge part in the Blue's success.

The Spaniard has won nine trophies in a decade with the club, continually increasing in importance since his 2013 move from French side Marseille.

Taking over as captain from Gary Cahill in 2019, Azpilicueta had a lot to live up to given the man previous to Cahill was 13-year leader and club legend John Terry, but Azpilicueta has once again proved his worth with the armband.

Lifting the club's second ever Champions League trophy as captain last summer, Azpilicueta became the first to hoist the Club World Cup following Chelsea's 2-1 win over Palmeiras.

Not as vocal and as headline making as previous incumbent Terry, the 32-year-old still shows what makes him such a vital leader, brilliantly warding off any mind-games from the Brazilian opposition during the final.

With the game tied 1-1 and set to be heading to penalties after finishing level in 90 minutes, Azpilicueta won a late spot-kick when his penalty box volley struck the hand of Palmeiras defender Luan.

Australian referee Chris Beath needed VAR to confirm a call that infuriated the guilty side, and Azpilicueta was quick to take the ball, attracting plenty of attention from his opponents.

The Spaniard then went and occupied the penalty spot, much to the surprise of Chelsea fans who were expecting to see regular taker Havertz line up for the kick.

Attracting mind games from his opponents and protecting the spot from any scuffing techniques, Azpilicueta took the brunt of abuse from Palmeiras players, waiting for things to simmer down.

Then, once the box was empty of distraction, he gave the ball to Havertz, who had a clear mind and was able to dispatch his match-winning penalty with ease.

"It was a tactic because I knew how they are, I knew they were coming for the penalty taker, so I took the ball," Azpilicueta said post-match.

"Kai knew that he was going to shoot, so it was to release the pressure from him. It was a decisive moment and Kai is one of the best penalty takers.

"I waited and listened to everything their players told me, and I think it worked, which is the most important thing."

The Blues captain also spoke of his pride regarding his third trophy lift at a side he previously looked destined to leave.

"When I arrived in 2012 I couldn't imagine the journey I would go on," the former Marseille and Osasuna defender said.

"I'm really proud to be the Chelsea captain leading the club on and off the pitch.

"The club deserves it, the owner deserves it, and I'm proud we achieved it."

Captain. Leader. Legend. Dave.