FABREGAS: I'M A HUGE UNITED FAN!

But that won't stop me ending their Quadruple dream

CESC FABREGAS - United are the best side in the world

25/04/2009

CESC FABREGAS has a shock confession which will stun Arsenal fans: "I'm a massive Man United fan."

After years of bitter rivalry between the clubs, the Spanish star is threatening to turn the Champions League semi- final into a love-in.

But the Gunners skipper has reassured his own fans he will be out to break the hearts of Ronaldo and company to save Arsene Wenger's season.

Fabregas said: "I have no problem saying United are one of the best clubs in the world - even though I want to beat them.

Respect

"They are the best side in the world at the moment - a top, top side and we respect them a lot.

"In fact, they are one of the best clubs in history. I respect Alex Ferguson for what he has achieved.

"There have been some great battles over the years and I am sure these two games will be just as interesting and dramatic.

"Rooney and Ronaldo are amazing. I really and admire them for what they do.

"They have been excellent players from an early age and it's unbelievable how they have maintained their amazing standards.

Praise

"I am a big fan of both of them. You can expect just about anything from them and they always make a difference in games. Look at Ronaldo against Porto - what a goal! It was one of the best goals I've seen."

Fabregas' gushing praise is a far cry from the contempt Arsenal and United players used to hold for each other.

Historically, the fixture has been a magnet for epic brawls on and off the pitch.

Now it seems the days of Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane kicking lumps out of each other and players having to duck to avoid flying pizza are long gone.

Rivalry

Fab added: "The rivalry is normal because, over the years, both clubs have been battling each other to win the big trophies.

"United are probably our biggest rivals but they are a team who play good football.

"You always enjoy these games but we are determined to come out on top.

"There is always good football in games between the two of us. They like to create and we have a go, so it's tremendous for the supporters.

"At least we know we can beat them as we proved at The Emirates. They had their best players in the game earlier in the season and we won. That gives us tremendous confidence."

Return

Fabregas' timely return from injury has added another dimension to the Gunners' play, although he admits he's still working his way back to top form and trying to adapt to a more advanced role.

He said: "Physically I wouldn't say I was very good yet but against Liverpool last week I still felt better than in some of the previous games.

"I was running all the game and didn't struggle in the last 20 minutes as I had done. I am also playing in a different position.

"I still have to get used to this more attacking position. I have never played that far forward before.

Confidence

"We'll go to United with confidence because we have shown what we are capable of against Liverpool.

"Maybe we weren't as good against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final but we've put that behind us.

"We know we can get to the final and what we went through against Liverpool can help us.

"Whenever you play at Liverpool it's an amazing experience and the preparation can only be good for when we face United at Old Trafford.

"We want to remain unbeaten from now until the end of the season and I believe we can do that.

"We know the Champions League is now the main target for us.

"We're determined to go one better than against Barcelona in 2006 and win it in Rome."

Your comments

This article has 6 comments

Maybe Rafa should hire Fabregas to write his press statements for him as he seems far more erudite than Rafa ever does, speaks his mind but makes sense, which Rafa never does!! Looking forward to three excellent games against the old foes!

By Eric Cantona.. Posted April 27 2009 at 11:26 PM.

They say big is big-to admire a good club means you always wish them good luck despite being in the oposite side, there will always be a wishing luck for them.

By Joshua.. Posted April 27 2009 at 10:03 AM.

Yeah, a bit of a puffed up story that. Calling them a 'top team' when they're the current Premiership and European Champions is hardly unwarranted or gushing praise, just an unfortunate fact!

Cesc is an intelligent player, he knows better than to write Fergie's pre-match team talk for him by insulting them...

By John.. Posted April 26 2009 at 11:24 AM.

I've always been of the Billie Jean King school of thought when it comes to facing tough opponents: show them the respect of asking them to play their best, then if you're truly confident you'll think you can go out and beat them anyway.

It's a total lack of respect to your opponent to belittle them - it's saying you don't think you can beat them if they play their best.

Well let me tell you this: if you want £100k a week and expect customers to pay £100+ a ticket, then you'd damn well better want both teams to play their best. Because I've got better things to spend £100 on than 90 minutes of defensive cat-and-mouse pussyfooting.....

Alex Ferguson's antics drive me up the pole, but unless he's threatened a referee, carried out surveillance on them and threatened to reveal secrets, laid bets via mafia bosses to control outcomes or threatened to beat up players who don't go easy against his teams, then all he is is a supremely competitive man who's track record speaks for itself...

A man who took a club down on its luck and turned it singlehandedly into the most successful English Club for the past 16 years, both in terms of performances and in terms of operating cash flow.

And I'm an Arsenal fan saying that. Because those are facts, not opinions.

By Rhys Jaggar.. Posted April 26 2009 at 10:34 AM.

I agree, all he's saying is that he has a healthy respect for what Man Utd and Sir Alex have achieved. I'm an Arsenal fan and completely agree with what Cesc has said. If your a football fan and don't see that Man Utd are a top team then you shouldn't be watching football. Fergie has been atthe top of his game for 20 or so years and has taken on every top manager in front of him and unfortunately 9 times out of 10 won

By micky045.. Posted April 26 2009 at 8:39 AM.

You make it sound as though it was a crime to say what he said.....gawd give it a rest.

By Sue.. Posted April 26 2009 at 12:04 AM.

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