Cesar Azpilicueta backs ‘great player’ Saul Niguez after struggles on Chelsea debut and reveals hopes to stay at Stamford Bridge for ‘as long as I can’

Cesar Azpilicueta has said that his fellow Spaniard and new Chelsea signing, Saul Niguez, just needs time to adapt after his disappointing debut against Aston Villa on Saturday. 

The midfielder, who signed for Thomas Tuchel’s side from Atletico Madrid on Deadline Day, was taken off just 45 minutes into his Chelsea debut.

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But Azpilicueta insists that his international teammate will be a key player for the Blues this season. 

“Saul is a great player. I’ve known him since his days in the national team,” Azpilicueta said. 

“He has a great experience at the highest level with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and, when he signed for Chelsea, he had a bit of stressful last hours of the transfer window. 

“He arrived in a new country, just field training sessions, his first game was against good opposition and they were very aggressive, so it's normal.  

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“Sometimes you need a bit more time to adapt. His response has been absolutely spot on. He's decided to improve, he’s asking questions, he wants to adapt as quick as possible. 

“Some players need more time than others. That's completely natural. He asked for our full support.  

“He's a great addition. I'm very happy to have him in our team and I'm sure that he will keep growing and helping the team because we need that from everybody. 

“I'm sure that he will be an important player in the season.” 

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As for his own future, the Spaniard has said that he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge for as long as he can. 

“I don't have any concerns,” Azpilicueta added. “I feel fully trusted by the club since I arrived. 

“Yeah, it's true that my contract ends in June but I'm just focused on what is next, which is to train, to play the best I can, and everything will take care of itself. 

“I don't need to say anything more. I just feel that I have to keep doing the things that I'm doing and everything will come by itself. 

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“Of course, I love to be here, I’ve feel loved since I arrived and, of course, my aim is to be here for as long as I can.” 

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