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Azpilicueta praises Chelsea’s ‘character’ after securing third place finish

Cesar Azpilicueta has praised Chelsea’s ‘character’ after they secured a third place finish with a goalless draw at Leicester.

Maurizio Sarri’s side had secured Champions League football with last weekend’s win over Watford, but finished above London rivals Tottenham following the final day stalemate at the King Power Stadium.

“We were happy to finish third. We wanted more but our finishing was not good enough,” the Chelsea skipper told the BBC.

“We were in trouble a couple of weeks ago which shows the league is not easy but we showed character in finishing third and reaching the final of the Europa League.”

The 29-year-old also discussed the future of Eden Hazard, with the Belgian international having been heavily linked with a summer move to Real Madrid.

Hazard appeared from the bench for the final 20 minutes in the draw at Leicester, and Azpilicueta insists the club’s players are desperate for the winger to stay at Stamford Bridge.

“He has been an important part of the club for the last seven years. Everyone here loves him and we would like him to stay with us.”