Chelsea Confirm: Azpilicueta, Willian Set To Join Mikel In List Of Foreign Players To Reach Milestone

Published: September 17, 2019

In the lead-up to the Champions League meeting between Chelsea and Valencia at Stamford Bridge tonight, the official website of the Blues has confirmed that Cesar Azpilicueta and Willian could make their 50th European appearance for Chelsea, which would see them join an impressive list of overseas players to reach the milestone for the club.

Only six foreign players have racked up 50 or more appearances for Chelsea on the continent, including Petr Cech (105), Didier Drogba (74), Branislav Ivanovic (66), John Mikel Obi (65), Eden Hazard and Ramires with 55.

Mikel's standout moment for Chelsea in Europe was helping the club win the Champions League in 2012 and the defensive midfielder was also in the spotlight after scoring against PSG in the round of 16 first leg during the 2015-2016 season.

Of his 65 appearances for Chelsea in European competitions, Mikel played 59 matches in the Champions League, 4 in the Europa League and the remaining two games came in the UEFA Super Cup.

The 32-year-old logged 4,541 minutes in total in the 65 matches, scoring two goals.

Mikel spent more than a decade at Chelsea and left in 2017 having won the Premier League twice, the FA Cup four times and the League Cup twice.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com