{
  "id": 11873800,
  "title": "Chelsea made me better player, leader — Azpilicueta",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/chelsea-made-me-better-player-leader-azpilicueta-11873800",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T07:42:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/chelsea-made-me-better-player-leader-azpilicueta/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Chelsea captain César Azpilicueta has spoken about how the club’s demanding culture shaped him into the player and leader he became, BBC Sport reported on Sunday. The defender joined Chelsea in 2012 for around £7 million, starting as a right winger and moving into various defensive positions. Azpilicueta highlighted the importance of consistency, hard work, and adaptability to his development at Chelsea. The relentless pursuit of success by the club, where every game and trophy mattered, pushed him to his limits. Azpilicueta eventually succeeded John Terry and Gary Cahill as Chelsea captain and led the team to Champions League glory in 2021. He also emphasized the role of education in his growth, completing business studies and gaining qualifications in football management and leadership. After leaving Chelsea in 2023, Azpilicueta has remained connected to the club, expressing hope for its return to its former glory. He believes the current players and manager can restore Chelsea's success.",
  "summary": "Former captain César Azpilicueta says Chelsea’s demanding culture and relentless pursuit of success helped shape him into a better player and leader. Read More: https://punchng.com/chelsea-made-me-better-player-leader-azpilicueta/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Chelsea made me better player, leader — Azpilicueta",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/chelsea-made-me-better-player-leader-azpilicueta",
        "published": "2026-10-04T07:08:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}