Chelsea

Cesar Azpilicueta enjoying Premier League life

By Liam Power, ReporterPublished: 26 December 2012 1:21 PM

Chelsea full-back Cesar Azpilicueta feels that he is growing as a player thanks to a prolonged run in the starting lineup under Rafael Benitez.

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has declared that he feels happy with life under Rafael Benitez.

The Spanish full-back has enjoyed an extended run in the Blues side since Benitez took charge at Stamford Bridge.

Azpilicueta admitted that he needed time to adjust to the Premier League but now feels ready to produce consistently in a Chelsea shirt.

He told L'Equipe: "I didn't play a lot during my first weeks here, but that is logical.

"When you join European champions, you cannot expect to be immediately in the starting XI. I worked hard and always had hope. In England, it is more physical and the pace is higher, sometimes in the second half it is quite mad.

"But my two seasons at Marseille helped me a lot to adapt. The pressure is just the same. At Marseille, you have to win every match. At Chelsea, it is the same. The difference is here you play to win every trophy. I came for that and to grow as a player."

The 23-year-old has made 17 appearances for Chelsea so far this season.