Cesc Fabregas has declared he feels revitalised under Maurizio Sarri before adding that he is very open about extending his current deal with Chelsea beyond the end of the current campaign.
The Spaniard enjoyed a superb pre-season with the club under the new head coach from Napoli and made his first competitive start for Sarri in the Community Shield clash against Manchester City last August. A knee injury prevented him from taking part in Chelsea’s next matches until coming on as a substitute against PAOK in the Europa League a fortnight ago.
Last Thursday’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Vidi saw Fabregas return to the starting XI for Sarri – his third start in the new campaign – and play at the base of midfield. While Jorginho is Sarri’s undoubted first choice at the position, Fabregas has professed his eagerness to take on the role before saying he feels refreshed playing under the former Napoli boss.
“It’s my second game in this position and I feel really good. I like it – everything goes through me – this is what I like,” said the Spaniard. “I feel sensations under Sarri that I never thought I would feel again. Touching the ball 100 times, all the play going through me or Jorginho, is a very important role for him, I’m learning it, I’m very passionate about it as it’s very interesting.
“The way he sees football is something that maybe in the future if I become a coach I think I’ll do something very similar to what he does. It’s what I like and how I see football. I’m learning a lot from here, it’s really interesting how he works and I’m really looking forward to working for a long time with him. I wish he came a bit earlier to be honest, it’s a little bit late now in my career. Definitely I’m very happy with him.”
The midfielder’s contract with the west London club expires at the end of the current season and while he admits the club are yet to open talks about a new deal, he would be amenable to staying at Stamford Bridge when given the chance.
“Yes I’m very open about it,” answered Fabregas when quizzed whether he would be interested in a contract extension. “To be honest the club has not said anything but I’d love to stay at the club. I feel I still have a lot of football left in me but it is now up to the club. I don’t think want to end my career here but for now I still feel really good.”
Chelsea make the trip to Southampton for the continuation of their Premier League campaign, with Fabregas in contention to make his first league start for the Blues this season.
