Chelsea fullback Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a new three and a half year contract with the club, the Blues have confirmed.

The Spaniard’s new deal expires in 2022, meaning he will have been at the club for a decade if he reaches the end of the contract.

Azpilicueta has captained Chelsea in Gary Cahill’s absence this campaign, and commenting on signing the extension to stay at Stamford Bridge, the right-back said:

“Since I came, I felt the joy and responsibility to play for this club, these fans. Every time I go on the pitch I try to do my best. Hopefully, there is a lot to come and we can keep Chelsea where it belongs.”

The 29-year-old has made almost 300 appearances for the Blues and has remained an important player under a succession of managers.

His work rate and adaptability has meant he has played right across the back four, having been trusted as a left-back by Jose Mourinho, at centre-back under Antonio Conte and now in his natural right-sided role under current coach Maurizio Sarri.

Azpilicueta has won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Europa League since joining the club, and will be hoping for more trophies over the next four years.