SLOW START BUT NOW IT’S FAB

Cesc is proud and happy after winning over sceptical Conte

CESC FABREGAS believes he can play on for years, now he has won Antonio Conte’s trust – 12 months after fearing his Chelsea days might be numbered.

Fabregas spoke of his pride at how he has turned things around under Conte and gone from fringe player to a Blues regular.

The Spain midfielder had started just four games this time last season, but has 18 starts under his belt this term. World Cup-winner Fabregas said: “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried.

“I wasn’t playing, not really part of his initial plans and, at that point, you can do two things.

“You can just give up and accept you’re not part of the future. Or do what I did – put your head down, be humble, train hard, show him he’s wrong, and that he can trust me to play in this team.

“Every time I had an opportunity I gave my all, I delivered and, from then on, we started to create a relationship. Now our relationship is fantastic. I understand his philosophy and am very happy I am where I want to be. That’s all down to belief, trust and hard work.

“At the beginning of last season the boss never trusted me in the 3-4-3 formation every game and he does now. I’m improving every day.

“I’m 30 but never stop learning in football. I’m very proud. Very happy and, hopefully, it’s not the end.

“I’m very young. I really mean it. Especially how I play, the position, you can go on for many more years.”

Fabregas aims to help Chelsea beat Atletico Madrid tonight to seal top spot in Group C and continue his quest to win the only major trophy missing from his CV.

But manager Conte believes it is a player’s present, not his glorious past, that is most important to the club. He said: “In the present you have to face the problems and try to win every game.

“The past is important but it’s not everything.”