Cesar Azpilicueta: I Like Chelsea Fans Calling Me Dave

Cesar Azpilicueta has become a hero among Chelsea fans this season for his excellent performances at the back, but he has long had a cult status in West London.

Given his surname can prove a tongue twister at times, Chelsea fans have simply referred to him as "Dave" since he joined the club, and the defender says he enjoys the status it brings.

“Even in the street, they call me Dave, so I know that it is done in a good way,” Azpilicueta says in the latest edition of Chelsea magazine.

“I am okay with it. I think they know my name really, and they can probably all spell it, but it’s an affectionate nickname for me, so I don’t mind.”

Azpilicueta himself has even joined in the fun, making a YouTube video last year where he attempted to help fans pronounce his surname.

Nickname or not, if Azpilicueta's form continues the way it is, he'll be known as much more than Dave in the coming seasons.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2013-14 season. Follow him on Twitter here @garryhayes