Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Fabregas feared future
CESC Fabregas feared the end of his Chelsea career before he proved Antonio Conte wrong.
The 30-year-old Spain playmaker has won almost every major honour in his storied career with Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and Spain, including the World Cup — but the European Cup is the exception.
Yet Fabregas was initially out of favour last season in Conte’s first campaign. He had made only four appearances at this stage last year — this season it is 18 after he showed his worth.
“Well, I would be lying if I say that I wasn’t worried,” said Fabregas, speaking ahead of tonight’s Champions League Group C clash with Atletico Madrid.
“I wasn’t playing, I wasn’t really part of his (Conte’s) initial plans and at that point you can do two things.
“You can just give up and accept you are not going to be part of the team or the club in the future. The other is what I did — put your head down and be humble, show him he’s wrong.
“My relationship with the manager (now) is fantastic. He trusts me. He knows exactly what I can give to the team.”
The Blues secured their place in the last 16 by winning at Qarabag last month and can finish top with victory over Atletico at Stamford Bridge.
“Hopefully, it will be Chelsea’s year (in the Champions League),” added Fabregas, who reached the 2006 final with Arsenal and has also reached the semi-finals.
“We’ll try our best to be consistent enough to reach the final and hopefully win.”
Diego Costa will be eligible to play for Atletico from January, when their transfer embargo is lifted.