Chelsea: £150k-a-week star's 'downfall is clear' at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta’s ‘downfall has become so clear’ and it came as a shock that he remained at Stamford Bridge beyond the closure of the transfer window, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The defender made the £6.5million switch from French giants Marseille a decade ago, but there were doubts over his long-term future during the summer.

Azpilicueta made his first Premier League appearance in more than a month when he was handed a starting role in the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

The 33-year-old committed his future to Chelsea in August, when he put pen-to-paper on a new two-year contract.

However, Azpilicueta only signed the £150,000-per-week deal after it had initially emerged that he was seeking a Stamford Bridge exit.

During the summer, then-Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed the Spaniard wanted to join Barcelona, who had shown plenty of interest, but the La Liga side’s valuation fell short of the Blues’ asking price.

Azpilicueta also signed a new contract after a one-year extension to his initial deal had already been triggered earlier this year due to making a pre-agreed number of appearances.

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Phillips believes the standard of Azpilicueta’s performances have dropped considerably over the years.

As a result, the journalist was shocked when Chelsea opted to stave off Barcelona’s interest and, rather than secure a transfer fee, handed the right-back a new contract.

However, he understands that Azpilicueta’s leadership qualities are useful within the Stamford Bridge dressing room.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “His downfall has become so clear. This is why I was