Fabregas has hunger back as Arsenal skipper looks to put hell behind him

20 January 2010 13:45
Cesc Fabregas has the opportunity to fire Arsenal to the top of the Premier League but the midfielder is taking nothing for granted as he remains haunted by the worst season of his career.[LNB]Victory over Bolton by two or more goals tonight (Wednesday) and the Gunners would sit at the top of the table for the first time since the opening day of the season.[LNB]It would be a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for Fabregas, who missed four months of the last campaign with a knee injury, was criticised for going on to the pitch after a Hull match during his spell on the sidelines, was accused of spitting at Tigers assistant Brian Horton, and lost his grandfather.[LNB] Running the show: Fabregas was in fine form against Bolton at the Reebok[LNB]But the 22-year-old has been outstanding in recent weeks and he said: 'I was really down last season. I couldn't enjoy anything, everything was negative. I lost that passion for the game and was happier closed off at home. It's a very odd feeling.[LNB]'To be ruled out for four months through injury was the worst period of my career - but I learned a great deal from that experience.[LNB]'I deal with things very differently now. After a game it used to take me hours to pick myself up - three hours or so to deal with a defeat. Nobody could talk to me. But now, just half an hour.[LNB]  'I don't internalise now. I've got other things to distract me - my family, girlfriend, friends. I deal with criticism very differently now, whether it's something I read in the press or hear from fans.[LNB]'Before my injury, I took it all far too personally. Now I just think, well, what are you going to do? I don't allow it to get to me.[LNB]'I'm always making jokes, having fun, all day long. More and more I'm realising that life is to be enjoyed. You're here today and gone tomorrow.'[LNB]The Spaniard, who arrived at Arsenal as a 16-year-old after leaving Barcelona's academy, is continually linked with a return to his homeland.[LNB] And while he admits it could be a possibility one day, he insists he is loving life in north London.[LNB] Flashpoint: Fabregas was slammed for his celebrations against Hull[LNB]He added in the Daily Mirror: 'You can never say never, but I feel grateful, wanted, comfortable and important at Arsenal. Some people will never understand if I ever leave, but you have to feel comfortable with yourself.[LNB]'I've given my all for Arsenal. I've played when I've felt ill, and through injury. I even played in the Champions League a few hours after my grandfather died. I'm proud to be a part of this club, and I'll always be proud of what I've done.[LNB]'Whatever happens, whether I'm here 15 years more or even retire here, there'll be fans who don't like the way you've played or don't like you as a captain.'[LNB] Walcott and Bendtner can be like new signings, says WengerWenger insists: We proved you all wrong by getting title bid back on trackSpurs, Arsenal and Liverpool on alert as Huntelaar looks to quit AC MilanMan City grab another ex-Gunner with Milan ace Flamini set to arrive on loanCoyle ready to revive pursuit for Wilshere as Bolton boss eyes recruitsARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail