Cesar Azpilicueta is confident the world’s best players will still want to join Chelsea, even though they will not be playing Champions League football next season.

The club’s victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup Final earlier this month meant they were the only English club other than Manchester City to win a major trophy this term.

It also meant they maintained their place as the most successful team in English football since Roman Abramovich took over at Stamford Bridge in 2003.

Chelsea have won 15 major competitions in as many years and Azpilicueta believes their record of success will still give them an edge in the market.

“Of course big players will still want to come to Chelsea because we win lots of silverware,” the Spain international told Standard Sport.

“I have no doubt that the club will get a squad that can compete to win for trophies. I am sure that will happen.

“If the club decides that we need to get players in, I’m sure we will get the quality we want.

“It was important to win this season with a trophy. It shows we are still winners. When the results are not there, people look for something else.”