Cesc Fabregas fansite

GOAL.com caught up with Arsenal’s teenage wonderkid Cesc Fábregas to get his thoughts on a number of issues including the English Premiership and his former club Barcelona.

GOAL: 17 years old and already a first team player with the Champions of England. Is there anything more you could ask for?

Cesc: No, there is nothing more I could ask for. I’m just 17 and I’m playing for one of Europe’s top clubs, it’s almost unreal. I’m not a regular first team player. I’m only in the starting lineup because Vieira is hurt. But I am hoping to make the most of this opportunity.

GOAL: Prior to the start of the season, did you think you would be in the spot you are in right now?

Cesc: No. Just over a year ago I was playing for Barcelona’s youth team. I was the captain there and everything was going well, but at 16 years old I would have never guessed I would be here in England with Arsenal. However, I’m here and I’m looking to make the best of it.

GOAL: What is your relationship with Arsene Wenger like?

Cesc: Good. Wenger has shown tremendous confidence in me. I’m aware that this is unusual because I’m just 17, so I’m very grateful for this opportunity.

GOAL: What’s it like to enter the locker room and seeing the likes of Henry, Pires, Bergkamp and Vieira?

Cesc: One year ago I was playing with the juniors at Barca and now I’m here with all the superstars, it’s incredible.

GOAL: Which Arsenal player do you respect most?

Cesc: Bergkamp. He is an experienced veteran and he is a true professional. He has accomplished many great things in this sport and will be remembered as one of the all-time great players. I’ve been very impressed by him.

GOAL: If you could choose one player to bring to Arsenal, who would it be?

Cesc: I think I’d bring one of the players that every team would like to have. Zidane or Ronaldinho alongside Henry would be nice to see. So for that reason, I’d choose one of them.

GOAL: Do you feel at home at Arsenal, because they do have other Spanish players in the team…

Cesc: It’s nice not having to speak English the whole day. Players like Reyes and Alumnia have made the transition a lot easier for me. Reyes especially. We speak on a day-to-day basis and he is not just a wonderful player but a wonderful person as well.

GOAL: Do you think the heavy influx of Spanish players to England this summer will be good for the Premier League? (Luis Garcia, Alonso, Hierro, Pique etc.)

Cesc: I think it improves the quality of the English game because Spanish players are quality players. It will also show the rest of the world that Spanish players can be successful in other leagues.

GOAL: How does it feel to be making your debut at the Under-21 level at the age of 17?

Cesc: It feels good. I’m already playing with older players at Arsenal, so I’m already accustomed to this. I would like to play alongside Iniesta, he is a good player. But all the Under 21’s are young players like me, so it’s easy to get along well with them.

GOAL: How do you view Barcelona’s current team?

Cesc: I think they have a very good team. They are a complete team and I view them as a serious contender for the title. Hopefully they will win one soon because they are capable of doing it.

GOAL: Would you ever return to play for Barcelona?

Cesc: I have always been a Barcelona fan and it was my dream to be a Barcelona first team player. But fate has brought me to Arsenal and I am happy here. But who knows what the future has in store.

GOAL: What is your dream match?

Cesc: Arsenal vs. Barcelona in the final of the Champions League.

GOAL: Who is your idol?

Cesc: Josep Guardiola

GOAL: What Stadium would you most like to have play in.

Cesc: the old Wembley stadium.

GOAL: What is your short-term goal?

Cesc: I would like to play as many first-team matches as possible this year.

Source: Goal.com
Published: Sept 12, 2004