Fabregas - I know I must repay Wenger's faith in me
By Richard Clarke
Cesc Fabregas could prove to be Arsène Wenger’s greatest discovery.
The Frenchman had a reputation for unearthing prodigious talent long before he was officially announced as the new Arsenal manager 10 years ago today.
At Monaco he had shown faith in a gangly, young striker called George Weah. The Liberian went on to global success at Milan and won the FIFA World Player of the Year Award in 1995. He later gave the trophy to Wenger as a token of his appreciation.
Since then the 56-year-old has found the likes of Nicolas Anelka, Gael Clichy and Philippe Senderos as well as rejuvenating the careers of Patrick Vieira, Marc Overmars, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry. But, given his youth and his consistency, it is just possible that Fabregas might supersede them all.
Brought over to Arsenal in September 2003 at just 16, he became the Club’s youngest player and scorer within a couple of months. Still only 19, he is fast becoming the midfield fulcrum that pushes the side. But the player himself knows he is still in debt to his manager.
“I will always say nice and positive things about the boss because he has been the most important influence in my short career,” remarked Fabregas.
“He believed in the scouts, took me here and made me train with the first team when I was 16 years old. I was there alongside Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira so I was lucky to learn from the big players. For me it was a very big step forward.
“I made my debut at 16 and then I was sometimes in the Champions League squad. For me it was a great experience.
“When I was 17 I was lucky because Patrick was injured, Edu was with the Brazilian squad and came back late so I had a chance to play. He took the risk to put me on.
“I have to thank him for that but now I know I have to pay him back for what he has done for me.”
