Fabregas excited by what he's seen in Arsenal training for first time in years

11 October 2023 , 00:44

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Fabregas excited by what he's seen in Arsenal training for first time in years

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas believes the Gunners are 'closer than ever' to winning their first Premier League title since 2004, having been a frequent visitor to the club's London Colney training ground while completing his coaching badges.

Fabregas announced his retirement from playing over the summer, immediately taking on a coaching role with Serie B side Como's youth teams. He spent one season playing for the Italian club while earning his coaching badges and he regularly made trips to Arsenal's training ground following an invite from Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

During his time around the squad, Fabregas could see how the players are "doing everything" to ensure they win the league. Reflecting on their 1-0 win over defending champions Manchester City last weekend, Fabregas told Premier League Productions: "It will just bring more positivity.

"I know how much they want to win the Premier League. I have been at the training ground recently and I know that they are waiting. I can smell it. They working towards that moment in a very passionate way.

"They are doing everything in every way to make this happen. With this young group, with the energy, the passion, the quality and the hunger they are showing each week. I think it's closer than it has ever been for the last 12-15 years."

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Fabregas was also full of praise for new Arsenal signing Declan Rice, comparing the England international to City star Rodri. "Rice's physicality allows him to cover so much of the pitch that sometimes, as a lone number six, you lose a big part of his capabilities, especially physically," he said

Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is feeling confident about the Gunners' chances of winning the league (Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

"He has grown with the ball. I think he is capable of giving final balls now. Even to go to the edge of the area like Rodri. We have seen him a couple of times, edge of the box, Champions League finals and scored the goals. Rice has that talent as well."

Arteta, meanwhile, was delighted with his team's performance as they beat City in the league for the first time since 2015. "It certainly sends a message to the team, that they keep believing in what they are doing," he said in his post-match press conference.

"They are a fantastic group of players. Today I am proud. The players are all dancing and super happy. The mood is so happy. I just sense everybody will take the next game against Chelsea away with the right emotion. A great feeling, you could sense, it has been so many years without beating them. We beat the best team in the world and in a great way. There were some moments we had to suffer."

Matthew Cooper