Cesc Fabregas showed incredible determination and an excellent attitude last night against Leicester. His goals gave Chelsea a much needed win after a couple of let’s say, not so convincing performances. The midfielder played for a full 120’ which is not something you would normally expect for him. He was clearly in excellent shape and ran more than we have seen him run in quite a while now. Fabregas explained why he played the way he did: “I was a bit tired afterwards because I have not played a proper game for a long time now, but I am happy.
“It’s been tough, I’m not going to deny it. But the last thing I will do is complain, give up or feel down.
“Something from inside of me is coming out that is stronger than ever and I feel like a little boy training trying to win my spot back as I used to do at Arsenal when I was 16. Hopefully I will achieve that again.
“I always give my everything. You can have worst days, moments when maybe you’re not at your best, but I always give my best. I have been training very hard. It is a new situation for me in my career after 13 years of basically playing in everything for club and national team.
The last part of his statement seemed like a very subtle jab at Conte’s decision to bench him for so long which is a surprise from a certain point of view but also makes sense if you look at it from another perspective. The good news is that Fabregas understands the manager’s motivation behind his choices: “You have to accept it, you have to be professional, you have to keep your attitude. All my team-mates deserve my respect, my coach deserves respect because I know he wants to win and if he doesn’t play me, there is always a reason. Hopefully I can open his eyes and make him see that I deserve to play.
“I know what I can do. After 13 years I know myself very, very well. I’m in a moment in my career where I feel very mature and know physically what I can give. I know when I have to press, I choose my game much better overall. I just want to play, give my all and I hope my time will come soon.”
“He spoke to me a few times. He wants the midfield to be very complete, to be physically strong and we are training very hard for that.” – [Quotes provided by the Daily Express].
Hopefully this is not just a statement for the media and Fabregas really wants to stay and play. He was linked to AC Milan and could begin talks this winter if things don’t go well. Naturally Chelsea will likely need a player of his quality and experience during the season so it is encouraging to hear what the midfielder had to say.