Exclusive - Cesc Fabregas: 'Last season I lost my passion for the game'

By John Cross in Mirror Football Blog

Published 23:00 19/01/10

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By John Cross

Cesc Fabregas has admitted he “lost his passion" for football during the worst season of his career.

Fabregas can help Arsenal go top of the Premier League against Bolton tonight after enjoying a brilliant campaign and some of his best performances for the club.

But the Spanish star still looks back upon last season with bitter regret as everything went wrong for the Arsenal captain and left him happier to stay locked away at home.

Within weeks of being given the captain’s armband, Fabregas suffered a knee injury which kept him out for nearly four months as Arsenal’s patchy form saw them out of the title race by Christmas.

But the midfield ace also endured furious personal criticism after being accused of spitting at Hull assistant boss Brian Horton  after coming onto the pitch at the Emirates wearing a hoodie during his spell on the sidelines.

Fabregas also suffered personal heartbreak, losing his beloved grandfather who he credited as being one of the biggest influences on his career.

However, the 22-year-old says his current form, and the lessons he learned from the dark days of last season, have revived his enthusiasm for the game as he also insisted he has never been happier at the club.

Fabregas said: “I was really down last season. I couldn’t enjoy anything, everything was negative. I lost that passion for the game and was happier closed off at home. It’s a very odd feeling.

“To be ruled out for four months through injury was the worst period of my career - but I learned a great deal from that experience.

“I deal with things very differently now. After a game it used to take me hours to pick myself up - three hours or so to deal with a defeat. Nobody could talk to me. But now, just half an hour.

“Maybe the next day you walk around with a bit of a long face, but you’ve just got to look ahead and be positive.

“I don’t internalise now. I’ve got other things to distract me - my family, girlfriend, friends. I deal with criticism very differently now, whether it’s something I read in the press or hear from fans.

“Before my injury, I took it all far too personally. Now I just think, well, what are you going to do? I don’t allow it to get to me.

“I’m always making jokes, having fun, all day long. More and more I’m realising that life is to be enjoyed. You’re here today and gone tomorrow.”

Fabregas is clearly happier this season and stresses that he has never been happier at Arsenal.

While the Spanish midfielder concedes one day that he may return to his homeland after starting his career in Barcelona’s youth set-up, there is no question of it being any time soon.

Fabregas said: “You can never say never, but I feel grateful, wanted, comfortable and important at Arsenal. Some people will never understand if I ever leave, but you have to feel comfortable with yourself.

“I’ve given my all for Arsenal. I’ve played when I’ve felt ill, and through injury. I even played in the Champions League a few hours after my grandfather died. I’m proud to be a part of this club, and I’ll always be proud of what I’ve done.

“Whatever happens, whether I’m here 15 years more or even retire here, there’ll be fans who don’t like the way you’ve played or don’t like you as a captain. I mean, there are people out there who complain about the way Messi plays!“

Fabregas has also taken on the role as captain, leader and example to Arsene Wenger’s emerging young team as the Arsenal manager has relied heavily on youth breaking through especially in the face of a crippling injury list.

And Fabregas gave a rare insight into Wenger - known as very serious and studious - and his sense of humour as every young player has to get up and perform before making their debut in the Arsenal first team.

Fabregas added: “The first time a player is called up and comes away with the squad, he has to get up in front of everyone at dinner and do a turn - sing a song, do a dance, make a speech - anything. Arsene loves that. It always makes him laugh.”

For Cesc Fabregas' full interview with Guillem Balague see Champions magazine, available today price £3.95

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