Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea's captain, has admitted that he purposefully pulled the ball away from Kai Havertz in order to play mind games with Palmeiras before the latter's extra-time penalty secured the FIFA Club World Cup for the Blues.
In the 117th minute, the German international scored from the penalty spot to make Thomas Tuchel's side world champions against their Brazilian opponents in Abu Dhabi.
However, before Havertz scored, it appeared that Azpilicueta was going to take the penalty kick and retain the ball while opposing players surrounded him before passing the ball to his teammate. After the win at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Azpilicueta commented, "It was a tactic because I knew how they are." "I snatched the ball because I knew they were heading for the penalty taker." Kai knew he was going to shoot, so it was a way for him to de-stress. Kai is one of the best penalty takers, therefore it was a pivotal time.
"I waited and listened to what their players said, and the most important thing is that I believe it worked."
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge a decade ago, Azpilicueta has won every major trophy available to the Blues during his time there, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup, as well as a Champions League title. When he first arrived in London from Marseille in 2012, the 32-year-old claimed that he could never have imagined the voyage he would go on, much alone skippering them to multiple victories, saying: "When I arrived in 2012, I couldn't envision the adventure I would go on." I'm ecstatic to be captain of Chelsea and to lead the team both on and off the field. Because it is the first time in our history, this title feels extremely wonderful. The club, the owner, and I are all proud of what we've accomplished."
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