Cesar Azpilicueta claims he feigned to take Chelsea's extra-time penalty in Saturday's Club World Cup final victory against Palmeiras in order to relieve pressure on true taker Kai Havertz.
Azpilicueta took the ball and stood near the penalty spot, with Palmeiras players encircling him in an attempt to distract him.
However, the Blues captain passed the ball to Havertz, who scored the game's winning goal.
"It was a ruse because I know how they operate," Azpilicueta explained.
Azpilicueta, a Chelsea defender, added: "I seized the ball because I knew they were heading for the penalty taker.
"Kai knew he was going to shoot, so it was a way for him to de-stress. Kai is one of the finest penalty takers, therefore it was a pivotal time.
"I waited and listened to what their players said, and the most important thing is that I believe it worked."
Azpilicueta became the first Chelsea player to win every major trophy since joining the club from Marseille a decade ago, having already won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and European Super Cup.
"I couldn't have imagined the path I'd be on when I arrived in 2012," said the 32-year-old, who is in the last six months of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
"I'm ecstatic to be captaining Chelsea and leading the team on and off the field." Because it is the first time in our history, this title feels extremely wonderful. The club, the owner, and I are all proud of what we've accomplished."
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