Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta was expected to join Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

The 32-year-old had already agreed terms with the Blaugrana, and was expected to join teammates Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso at the club.

However, Azpilicueta backtracked at the end and remained at Chelsea, and he has explained what happened.

“At Chelsea I played less than 30 games and I was already a free agent,” he told AS.

“It had never happened to me in my life. But the new owners arrived and they showed me the desire to stay with me.”

With his family firmly settled in London, Azpilicueta admitted the need to remain in London – a decision he believes Xavi understood.

“London is my home and my children speak English better than Spanish,” he said.

“When I made the decision I think Xavi understood it. If things are clear, they are understood.”