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NEIL WARNOCK has refused to back down in his criticism of Cesar Azpilicueta amid serious backlash from John Terry and Cesc Fabregas.

The 73-year-old manager claimed that the decorated Chelsea captain was 'fortunate' to be at Stamford Bridge.

Cesar Azpilicueta has now won every club competition on offer with Chelsea
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Cesar Azpilicueta has now won every club competition on offer with ChelseaCredit: Getty

He also argued that he 'had a bit of luck at the right time', which sparked outrage from Azpilicueta's former team-mates Terry and Fabregas.

Fans of the Blues were also shocked with his comments.

However, the out-of-work boss has now admitted that his judgement could have been clouded by an incident which occurred in March 2019.

He was left feeling frustrated after Azpilicueta scored from a clearly offside position during a match against Cardiff City.

The Blues then went on to win the game 2-1.

When speaking on TalkSPORT, Warnock said: "He's not the best defender, that's what I said.

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"I think he's a good wing-back, I think he's an excellent wing-back, but I'm not sure he's a top class defender."

He then added: "I don't forgive him for being offside and getting that goal at Cardiff, that's what it is!

"That'll be it. It'll be the bitterness underneath."

Azpilicueta is set to become a free agent in June and is wanted by a number of clubs, including Barcelona.

He recently became the first Chelsea player in history to win every competition possible with the club.

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