Experienced signings will help captain James - Azpilicueta

Reece James broke through at Chelsea when Azpilicueta was club captain [Getty Images] Cesar Azpilicueta has backed Chelsea's decision to sign experienced players this summer and believes it will help captain Reece James grow as a leader. The Blues made their first signings aged over 30 in more than four years when they brought in Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck and Emiliano Martinez from Premier League rivals Brentford, Brighton and Aston Villa respectively. James, who succeeded Azpilicueta as captain in 2023, was handed the role at the age of 23 and admitted he initially struggled with the responsibility during an injury-hit period. Former manager Enzo Maresca also publicly challenged him to improve his leadership. However, both internally and externally, there is a belief that James has grown into the role after avoiding any lengthy injury absences over the past year. Asked about James' progress as captain, Azpilicueta told BBC Sport: "Reece is still developing. "People sometimes forget how young he still is because we've known him since he came through the academy. I wasn't captain myself until I was around 28 or 29. "Since he got into the first team, you could see he was a special player. The quality was obvious. Now he's developing the leadership side as well. "When I look at him, I see a player who is still improving and who probably has his best years ahead of him. "A lot of young players have arrived at the club, but there are also experienced players around him who can help him in the role, and I'm sure he'll benefit from that support." Azpilicueta added that after joining Chelsea he was pushed "to the maximum" and "gave everything" for the club. He has since retired and graduated from the PFA Business School with a Diploma in Global Football Sport Directorship in September 2026. The former Spain international added: "I follow every game and I hope the club comes back to where it belongs. "I have confidence that Xabi (Alonso), the staff and the players will do good work. Hopefully they can bring a lot of happiness to the fans." Having not returned to Stamford Bridge since leaving Chelsea for Atletico Madrid and later Sevilla, he was asked whether he would ever come back to receive a hero's welcome from supporters. "I don't know about that," he replied modestly, before adding: "I will come back one day. I won't be putting my boots on, though." Read more from Azpilicueta