Cesc Fabregas on Arsenal, Chelsea, Como & Wenger: A Career of Lessons, Leadership and Legacy

From North London to Lake Como: The Journey of a Midfield Maestro

On a blazing hot day in Munich, with the Champions League final hours away, the spotlight was stolen for a moment—not by the stars of Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Milan, but by a small-sided pitch tucked away in the heart of the Olympiapark. Surrounded by influencers, global media, and football royalty, one man stood out: Cesc Fabregas. Now the head coach of Serie A side Como, the former Spain international took time out from the Gatorade 5v5 Tournament festivities to reflect on a career that has spanned continents, cultures, and countless moments of footballing magic.

Coaching Como and Embracing the Learning Curve

Fabregas may have only just turned 38, but his focus has shifted completely from his illustrious playing days to life on the touchline. He recently completed his first full season as head coach of Como, helping the newly promoted side to a respectable 10th-place finish in Serie A.

“You keep learning,” Fabregas said with the calm assurance of a man who’s found peace in his second act. “Day by day, you discover new things. But it’s fast. Managing is a different world. You have to analyse and lead in a way that’s nothing like playing.”

This, from someone who played under managers like Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola, and Jose Mourinho, carries real weight. It’s a testament to his humility, but also his hunger—to keep growing, to keep evolving.

Highbury Nostalgia and Arsenal’s Growing Pains

Cesc Fabregas Gatorade 3

Though his playing days are behind him, Fabregas still speaks about Arsenal with real warmth. It’s been over a decade since he wore the red and white of the Gunners, but the connection to north London remains.

“My favourite stadium? Highbury,” he said with a smile. “I really miss it. It had a unique atmosphere. Sure, I always dreamed of playing at the Camp Nou, which I did, and San Siro was special too—but Highbury was something else.”

On Arsenal’s current evolution under Mikel Arteta, his words were measured but hopeful. “They’re in a different stage now. After six years, they’re building. They’ve had injuries to big players, but the structure is there. It’s coming together.”

He even touched on his most memorable goal—one that will warm the hearts of Arsenal fans: a stunning strike against AC Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2008.

The Chelsea Chapter and Belief in Youth

Arsenal’s Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabreg

Despite the controversy surrounding his move to Chelsea in 2014, Fabregas holds nothing but affection for the west London club.

“They’ve invested big in young players,” he explained. “Of course, young players make mistakes, but that’s how you learn. Chelsea trusted them, and they responded.”

Winning the Conference League may not carry the prestige of a Champions League title, but for Fabregas, it was a sign that Chelsea’s new generation is starting to click.

“You can only win what’s in front of you. They took it seriously. It was a good season. Now they need to take the next step.”

Wenger’s Hydration Lessons and Gatorade’s Mission

Chelsea v Sunderland – Premier League

The event in Munich wasn’t just a photo op or promotional gig. Gatorade’s annual 5v5 Tournament has been running since 2016, offering 14 to 16-year-olds a shot at winning tickets to the Champions League final and, more importantly, a chance to fall in love with the game.

On a sweltering day like this, the importance of hydration wasn’t just theory—it was survival. And Fabregas had a few words on the subject, tying it back to one of his greatest mentors.

“Arsene Wenger was the first who made me think about hydration seriously,” he recalled. “He focused on the smallest details. You need to prevent being thirsty, not react to it.”

It was a typically thoughtful response from a man who understands the game not just through tactics or talent, but through preparation, detail, and professionalism.

The Joy of 5-a-Side and the Roots of Footballing Intelligence

Cesc Fabregas Gatorade 4

Fabregas spoke passionately about the value of small-sided football, not just as a tool for youth development but as a mirror of the modern game.

“I studied futsal a lot,” he said. “5v5 teaches you how to deal with one-on-one situations, movement, and space. You can learn so much. It’s very similar to what we try to recreate in certain training sessions.”

Watching the young players from around the world—Canada, Brazil, Mexico—compete on the Gatorade pitch brought back memories of Fabregas‘ own beginnings. The joy, the nerves, the wonder of the game.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Throughout the day, Fabregas was mobbed by fans—selfies, autographs, cheers. And he took it all in stride.

“It’s nice to know you can still have an impact on the next generation,” he said. “These boys and girls, they love the game. It’s about teaching them togetherness, respect, resilience. Even if you can help by just one per cent—it matters.”

He didn’t have opportunities like the Gatorade 5v5 when he was growing up in Barcelona’s La Masia academy. That’s part of why he’s so keen to give back now.

“I never had this. That’s why I want to be involved. It’s special. I wish I had the chance.”

Legacy in the Making

Whether it’s nurturing teenagers on a 5v5 pitch in Munich or leading a Serie A team with top-flight ambitions, Cesc Fabregas isn’t done leaving his mark. His journey from precocious talent to seasoned leader is a story still being written.

He’s lived through the highs of club and country success, the heartbreak of near-misses, and the shift from dressing room general to sideline tactician. But what remains constant is the passion. The love of the game. The need to give something back.

And if the smile on his face as he chatted with kids or the gleam in his eye when reminiscing about Highbury is any indication, Cesc Fabregas’ football story is far from finished.