Arsenal's pass master
Friday 4 April 2008
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Cesc Fabregas celebrates his late winner against Bolton Wanderers FC last week (©Getty Images)
Having come tantalisingly close to winning the UEFA Champions League with Arsenal FC in 2006, Cesc Fabregas has his sights set on the final once again. His superb goal at the San Siro proved the end for holders AC Milan in the first knockout round, but the Gunners will need a sterling effort to reach the last four after drawing 1-1 at home against Premier League rivals Liverpool FC in the opening leg of their quarter-final contest. In the latest in our series of uefa.com readers' Q&As with some of the European game's top stars, Fabregas answers your questions.
How did you feel when you scored the late goal against AC Milan from so far out? Will you look to carry that momentum with you for Spain into the European Championship?
Gianfranco Manto
I hope I can repeat that feeling in the Euros and achieve something big with Spain. It was an incredible and unforgettable moment. I think I played one of the best games of my life against Milan. On top of that, I was lucky enough to score such an important goal for us.
What achievement are you most proud of so far?
Shradha
That's a very difficult question to answer. I've had many key moments in my sporting career. My move to London, my debut for Arsenal, my first goal, my debut for Spain…
What do you think of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard being in such good form in the latter stage of the season?
Arashaad, South Africa
They are two footballers who need no introduction. Gerrard has had a lot of success in England for years now. He's one of the most important players in the country. He is a true leader of his team. I know Fernando very well and his speedy adaptation to the Premiership has not surprised me. He's already scored [28] goals, which is a very respectable total that only a few strikers could aspire to.
When you are not playing football, what do you usually do in your free time? What type of music do you like?
Andrea, California, United States
I love playing computer games, going to the cinema, going for a stroll with my girlfriend, watching television. I like staying at home, relaxing in front of the TV, chatting with my friends. I love music. In the dressing room we listen to all kinds of music, which we often swap amongst ourselves.
How important has Arsène Wenger been in your career after taking you from Barcelona?
Marco Parravicini, 22, Pisa, Italy
He has been key. I owe him everything I am today. He was confident in me from the beginning. He gave me time and trust so that I matured and grew as a footballer. I hope to be able to repay all this. I wouldn't ever want to let him down.
What was the Arsenal game when you realised you were as good as everyone says you are? Was it the game against Juventus when you dominated Vieira?
Richard
It wasn't at Arsenal but at the Under-17 World Championships in 2003 that I realised I could play top level football. I was named player of the tournament and I was top scorer too. The only bad memory from that competition was Brazil beating us in the final. After that, spending time with Patrick Vieira, who was my team-mate then, was very important for me.
How is Eduardo after that nasty leg break?
Aaron Portelli, Melbourne Australia
He is more cheerful. It was a very hard blow for everyone, obviously worst of all for him. We were all very afraid. It was a very dramatic injury, but bit by bit he is getting better. We're really keen to see him back, but unfortunately all we can do is hope.
Who do you look up to in soccer, like your mentor?
Gilbert
My father – ever since I was small. He played football and he took me and my friends to play with him. From when I was a kid he taught me about the sport, which he always followed on television. My mother tells me he often used to take a ball to the bathroom… After that, the coaches I had when I was young helped me a lot. I learnt a lot of basic concepts thanks to them.
Arsenal is known for its constant flowing one-touch football. Do you really have such a good understanding with your team-mates that you can pass the ball to them without really thinking about it first?
Jonathan
We have always stuck to this philosophy. People used to question it. They thought it was too risky. Yet time has proved us right, and now we are reaping the benefit. We've had the same core of players for a few seasons now and at times we almost play from memory.
After beating Milan, why isn't Arsenal showing more consistency in the Premier League?
Pujan Kafle, Newark, Delaware, USA
In my opinion, this spell started in the game against Birmingham. We conceded a penalty in the dying minutes and from then on the doubt crept in. We're recovering now and we are playing better, although even now things are not as they were before. We hope to reach the same level again soon.
When you were ten-years-old did you struggle with strength? When did you start to hold your own against bigger lads?
Christian, aged ten
It's a mental thing above all. If you feel strong you'll play well against anyone. I made my debut in England at only 16 when perhaps I was not yet totally prepared. Nevertheless, at 17, I was already playing 46 games and I felt pretty useful. Fortunately, in football it's not just your physique that counts. When I was ten I could beat older boys using my skill.
If you weren't a footballer, what would you be doing right now?
Marthy Danzen, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I think I would just be an ordinary kid. I would be finishing my time at university and leading a normal life. I would be working in whatever was right for me to earn a living.
As an ardent Liverpool fan, what's more important to you over the three games against us? The Premier League or the Champions League?
Jay Waldrom, Plymouth, Devon
I think the return match at Anfield. It is clearly the most decisive.
In your opinion who will win the UEFA Champions League this year?
Nicolò Scattolon
I hope it will be Arsenal. That's what we're aiming for. There are no easy opponents at this level. It will be complicated for any of the teams to get through the matches standing between them and the title.
How do you feel about having four English teams in the Champions League quarter-finals and what do you think are some of the advantages and/or disadvantages of this?
Jennifer, Indiana, USA
It's an honour for all Premiership players. It's a clear sign of the potential of English football. There are few disadvantages. One is that we're going to be seeing the same faces a lot during a short time. Right now the English league is unquestionably the best in Europe.
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