🔚 César Azpilicueta announces retirement from professional football | OneFootball

César Azpilicueta has made official one of the hardest announcements for any athlete. The current Sevilla FC defender has confirmed through an emotional statement that this season will be the last of his long and successful career as a professional footballer.

At 36, the Navarrese defender has decided to bring to an end a career that has spanned two decades at the highest level. In his farewell letter, the player admits that, despite having prepared himself mentally to take this step, writing the final announcement has been an extremely difficult process.

The footballer began his journey in the youth ranks in Pamplona, without imagining the historic path destiny had in store for him. Over the course of his career, Azpilicueta has proudly worn the shirts of historic clubs such as CA Osasuna, Olympique de Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla FC.

The Spain international has also wanted to express his deep gratitude to all the teammates, coaches and staff members who have accompanied him along the way. He also highlighted what an absolute privilege it has been for him to represent the national team on the world’s biggest stages.

With his retirement, football says goodbye to an exemplary professional, unanimously respected for his commitment, leadership and sportsmanship in every country where he competed. Azpilicueta will bring his time at the Sánchez-Pizjuán to a close this year and begin a new and exciting chapter in his life.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

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