Putting a captain’s armband on your shirt tells much more of players’ character than dozens of pages of written analysis. It sends a powerful message of one’s personality. It reveals a rare capacity to lead, be the first among the equals, and stand out not only as a gifted player but also as a true leader on and off the pitch.And if you inherit that sort of responsibility from your predecessors like Sergio Ramos, Iniesta, Xavi, or Raul, then you ought to be the same. At least when it comes to your captain’s duties. And that’s the challenge Chelsea’s right-back Cesar Azpilicueta not only accepted during the EURO 2020 but made a praiseworthy gesture that will go in history for sure.Spain can draw inspiration from Chelsea, says AzpilicuetaAfter the Spaniards lost to Italy in the dramatic semifinal penalty shootout on Wednesday night at Wembley, Luis Enrique’s boys packed their bags, ready to return to their homeland. However, since Azpilicueta plays for a London-based club and subsequently lives in the English capital, he had a unique privilege to just take a cab and join his family that very same night.##EDITORS_CHOICE##But, that’s the most fascinating part of this story. As the captain of his side, in good times just as much as in bad times, too, Azpi decided to lead by example until the very end. So he packed his small bag, sat on a plane for Spain and landed there the same night with all of his teammates.Ok, so he decided to spend vacations there, you might think by now. Well, you’re so wrong. After arriving in Madrid with the team, the 31-year-old defender took the first plane back to London after only a few hours!Nice one #ChelseaChampions 😉💙 https://t.co/qXB1QTA9Ez— César Azpilicueta (@CesarAzpi) July 9, 2021 Yes, he did it. A true captain, a leader, a guy you would always want to see fighting side to side with you. What an Azpilicaptain he really is! Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel are genuinely privileged to have this guy in their club.
