# Azpilicueta's post-retirement shift

> Retired Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta credits education for his career but needs a break after 508 appearances.
- Title: Azpilicueta's post-retirement shift · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: Retired Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta credits education for his career but needs a break after 508 appearances. Cesar Azpilicueta, retired Chelsea player…
- Keywords: cesar azpilicueta, chelsea, mba, pfa business school, harvard business school, sevilla, premier league, champions league, sporting director, golf, sports, Azpilicueta's
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cq0kl0yy3r0po
- Published: 2026-10-04T06:15:35.76+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cesar azpilicueta, chelsea, mba, pfa business school, harvard business school, sevilla, premier league, champions league, sporting director, golf, sports
## Azpilicueta's education journey
Cesar Azpilicueta, 37, completed a diploma in global football sport directorship through the PFA Business School.

> When I was a kid my parents pushed me to get good grades and finish school.
## MBA pursuit during pandemic
Azpilicueta studied an MBA in business management from the Berlin School of Business and Innovation during the pandemic.

> It wasn't because I thought it was my last year as a footballer, but it did help me navigate the final years of my career.
## Champions League victory
Azpilicueta lifted the Champions League trophy after captaining Chelsea to victory against Manchester City in 2021.

> I found some courses but I didn't start because I thought it was the end of my career.
## Career transition
Azpilicueta, who joined Chelsea in 2012, became a leader after starting as a low-profile £7m signing.

> I wasn't a star signing. I had to find my way.
## Post-retirement needs
Azpilicueta needs a break after retiring from playing following last season at Sevilla.

> It was time to stop playing football because, even though I could probably still play, I didn't have the energy to commit myself fully for an entire season.
## Future plans
Azpilicueta plans to play golf and enjoy life after his family commitment.

> I want to play some golf and enjoy life.
## Chelsea legacy
Azpilicueta, who ranks among Chelsea's greatest leaders, will not return to play but hopes for the club's future.

> I will come back one day. I won't be putting on my boots, though.
## Key takeaway

Cesar Azpilicueta, retired Chelsea player, says his MBA and education helped his career but now needs a post-career break.