César Azpilicueta

Sometimes football can deliver the most stinging surprises, but out of adversity emerge new heroes, new hope and new beginnings. An influx of exciting stars arrived at the Bridge including World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, dazzling Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, dynamic forward Noni Madueke and a future colossus at the back in Benoit Badashile, alongside fellow French international Wesley Fofana. These prodigious young talents joined the proven winners in the Chelsea squad, ready to create a potent mix for the next chapter in the club's glorious history. The 2022/23 season was not the one Chelsea fans wanted or expected, but the foundations have been laid for a swift return to future glories. Chelsea will be back, and a new era awaits. Containing action from every game of the season in all competitions, and an extended extra feature celebrating Cesar Azpilicueta's half century of appearances for the club.

In Thomas Tuchel's first full year in charge, the European champions became champions of the world, adding two more trophies to the collection and were sudden-death spot-kicks away from celebrating twice more. Bolstered by the continued emergence of Academy graduates and the returning Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea were a permanent fixture in the Premier League's top four. In the first of the three finals decided by penalty shoot-outs, the UEFA Super Cup was secured in Belfast while Kai Havertz was again the hero as the Blues captured the FIFA Club World Cup. Further silverware was so close, but Chelsea were twice denied by Liverpool. First, in a dramatic 21-goal shoot-out in the final of the Carabao Cup and then agonisingly again in the FA Cup Final. As the Roman Abramovich era at Stamford Bridge came to an end it was still a season of success, but also one of what could have been, although the Blues proved once again we are among the very best.

'Making history, not reliving it.' That has been the mantra by which those at Stamford Bridge have lived and died since Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003. And as the final whistle blew on the final game of the season at the Estádio do Dragão in Portugal, history was made as Chelsea were once again crowned the kings of European football. The intentions of the club were clear from the start of the season, bringing in a host of top-class talent including Timo Werner and Kai Havertz from the Bundesliga, Hakim Ziyech from the Eredivisie, as well as defensive reinforcements in Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell. However all was not going to plan mid-season with inconsistent results and a managerial change suggesting this was going to be no more than a season of transition. But a spectacular turnaround, masterminded by the managerial nous of Thomas Tuchel, led to a top-four Premier League finish, an FA Cup final, and the greatest club prize of them all - the Champions League trophy.

Chelsea finished third in the Premier League last season, albeit a staggering 25 points behind second-placed Liverpool, and started life under a new manager with club legend Frank Lampard taking the reins. With a transfer ban impacting the west Londoners' business, and the Covid-19 pandemic causing unprecedented disruption mid-season, Chelsea finished the domestic season narrowly losing the FA Cup final to Arsenal. Despite the disappointment, a 4th place finish secured on the final day of the Premier League campaign guarantees the Blues will be playing Champions League football in the 2020/21 season.

Once more Chelsea finished the season in triumph as they turned Baku blue. The euphoric Europa League victory over Arsenal ensured a 10th major trophy in 10 years. No English side has enjoyed more success in the last decade. It crowned a campaign that witnessed the Blues return to Premier League prominence as they delivered some stunning displays. Maurizio Sarri's side when all the way to Wembley, beating Liverpool and Tottenham before penalties cruelly denied them in the Carabao Cup Final against Manchester City. Cesar Azpilicueta proved the inspirational on-pitch leader of a team that combined the quality and experience of World Cup winners N'Golo Kante and Olivier Giroud with the exciting young talents of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. As ever, Eden Hazard was at his beguiling, brilliant best, reaching a century of goals for the Club.

Chelsea have developed that winning habit of ending the season in glory. The Blues' eighth FA Cup triumph arrived in a campaign which once again delivered excitement in abundance. There was class, craft and commitment throughout Antonio Conte's side. From the wizardry of Eden Hazard to the non-stop dynamic displays of N'Golo Kante and the all-action performances from Marcos Alonso, which earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year, there was rarely opportunity to take breath. Established stars Thibaut Courtois, Willian and Cesc Fabregas lined up alongside new boys Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud, as Chelsea approached a new era. There was drama from start to finish, in a season full of unforgettable moments that began and ended in Wembley, with victory over Manchester United confirming a fourth major honour in four years.

38 games, 30 wins. Record-breaking Chelsea are the kings of English football once again, Premier League champions for a fifth time. Masterminded by an Italian genius Antonio Conte, who wore his heart on his sleeve, kicking every ball, making every tackle and celebrating every goal, the Blues have been reshaped into a formidable force. And the Bridge waved goodbye to a legend. John Terry's emotional farewell brought the curtain down on a fantastic career and a sensational season.

It was another season full of drama at Stamford Bridge, and although it didn't all go our way there were plenty of memories to savour. Whether it was Willian's set-piece perfection or Eden Hazard's late flurry of goals, the Blues provided glorious moments during a challenging campaign. Once again, London rivals Arsenal were beaten home and away while the second-half comeback against Tottenham will live long in the memory of any Chelsea fan. Additionally, further breakthroughs from a host of youngsters offered Blues fans glimpses of a bright future.

The most dominant team in Premier League history. That's what the stats say as Chelsea stormed to their fifth title with a record-breaking run in pole position. Manager, José Mourinho assembled a squad that combined devastating attacking invention with ruthless determination in defence. Irresistible force and immovable object. Among the highlights of a memorable campaign were the genius of Eden Hazard and the flair of Oscar and Willian complemented by the driving force up front of Diego Costa and the midfield mastery of Cesc Fàbregas. Nemanja Matic, a colossus in front of the best defence in the country, led by the indomitable skipper, John Terry, whose consistently outstanding performances have rolled back the years. Ten years on from José's first incredible season in charge, the Blues replicated that double triumph by also capturing the Capital One Cup at Wembley against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The foundations have been well and truly re-laid.

Back at the club he loves and back with the fans who love him, José Mourinho returned to provide a captivating season from beginning to the very end. A squad that included legends Frank Lampard, John Terry and Petr Čech combined with the attacking talent of Eden Hazard, Willian and Oscar formed the nucleus of a terrifically talented team, guided by a tactical mastermind. In the Barclays Premier League, the Blues outplayed and outmanoeuvred their closest rivals in the biggest games, with stunning doubles over Manchester City and Liverpool, and comprehensive victories against Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal. In the UEFA Champions League, a reunion with Didier Drogba followed a dramatic, last gasp win over PSG took Chelsea to the brink of another European final.

After an eventful season Chelsea fans were once again able to enjoy the sweet taste of success. Having already won the Champions League and Cup Winners' Cup, Chelsea's Europa League glory this season made them the first English side to join the elite band of clubs who have completed the European treble. Throughout the season Chelsea contested 8 different trophies and played in a record-breaking number of matches (69!). Memorable results included reaching the semi-finals in both the FA Cup and League Cup, as well as clinching an automatic Champions League spot following a tense battle for 3rd place between three London rivals. The 2012/13 season also saw Frank Lampard rewrite club history yet again by surpassing Bobby Tambling and becoming the all-time leading goalscorer with 203 goals; a record that will likely stand for many years to come.