Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicueta Collect Chelsea FC End-of-Season Awards
By Connor Tomko
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Eden Hazard was named Chelsea FC Player of the Year as voted on by supporters to cap off an excellent campaign in his second season at the Bridge. Cesar Azpilicueta was named Chelsea FC Player’s Player of the Year, which the first team and technical staff vote on.
Both players were absolutely superb in their second seasons at the club, especially Azpilicueta who spent the season playing at the left-back position instead of his natural right-back position getting manager José Mourinho to claim that a team full of Azpilicuetas could win the Champions League.
“Thank you to everyone because it’s a pleasure for me to have this award,” Azpilicueta said.
“I give everything and sometimes I get angry with some of them but after five minutes everything is fine so thank you.”
Hazard finishes the campaign with 17 goals scored in all competitions including a brilliant hat-trick against Newcastle, which was his first in a Chelsea shirt.
“I just want to say thank you,” Hazard said. “The three nominees all deserved it but it’s me! We know it’s a collective sport but individually trophies are sometimes good, so I’ll take this one home and enjoy it with my family.”
“When I play I try to give my best on the pitch. I like the applause and when the fans come they want to see a spectacle.”
Hazard collected the award ahead of John Terry, Gary Cahill and Azpilicueta. It should be noted that all four of these players would have been very deserving of this award.
Also during the awards night, Lewis Baker picked up two awards, one for Chelsea Young Player of the Season and Chelsea Goal of the Season for this spectacular goal scored against Arsenal’s Under-21 side.
Former Chelsea defender Paulo Ferreira also collected the Special Recognition award for his service at the club he appeared 217 times between 2004 and 2013.
“I feel so humbled,’ Ferreira said. “I can’t believe I have won this award. I spent nine great years at this club and I feel really happy.”
“For me it was like a second home here, it was a big family. That’s why I am still living in London and I hope to be here for a long time.”
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