'The club could have even folded': Azpilicueta opens up on Chelsea struggles before takeover

Cesar Azpilicueta has opened up on the situation at Chelsea over the past year, where the club went from winning the Club World Cup to being sanctioned by the UK government.

"Perhaps in Spain it was not seen so much, but we went from winning the World Cup in February to being sanctioned, not being able to sign players, pay for trips — and my personal situation, not having a contract from July 1.

"It was the case that the club could have even folded," the Chelsea skipper added.

"We are privileged and we had no problems, but the noise from outside when we played in the Champions League had to be managed. As captain, you have that extra responsibility."