Cesc's interview with Goal

Cesc had an interview with Goal.com which I found pretty interesting. It’s quite long so I have broken it down into sections.

The Manchester United game
“The Premier League is a very tough league to play in and you have to be at your best week in, week out because there are not many easy opponents,”

“The referee has admitted he made a mistake [in the Man United game] but we can’t do anything about it now. We can only look forward to the next game.

“Yes, it hurts to lose in that way, but we were denied many opportunities and it was a very physical game – maybe too physical – but we showed that we will not be bullied by anybody. And when they [United] play us at home, it will be very different.

“Clubs try not to let us play our style of football and some use questionable tactics, but we will not be intimidated by anyone.”

Arshavin and his impact in the team
“Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are two of my favorite players, and John Terry and Ashley Cole are superb defenders. Theo Walcott is doing very well, too, and is already a fantastic player.Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele have all also been tough opponents. There are not many easy opponents in the Premiership.

But Arshavin is a fantastic player who just loves the game. He is a pleasure to play with and has given us a new dimension and made us more compact.He is in the same league as some of the players I have mentioned and he can only improve.”

Transfer action and tactics
“If the manager is looking to bring in players who are capable of making the kind of impact Arshavin has then he will be welcomed by the team,” “We have made a good start but signing players and formation is the manager’s decision.”

Barcelona
“I know all about the speculation about Barcelona but you have to understand I am a professional and I am an Arsenal player.We have made a good start and we can go on to do good things this season. As a youngster I admired Guardiola and Michael Laudrup at Barca. I learned many things there, but it’s important to be yourself.

“You can never know what will happen in football, and it’s always an honor to be linked with a prestigious club like Barcelona, who I know all about. But let’s see how Arsenal does this season. I am sure we will win something soon.”

The more interesting part was Cesc revealing that he felt like he was under more pressure when he is in Spain, than when he is in England:
“My girlfriend is a psychologist and I try not to tell her too much.People try to ask her about me and Barcelona but she also knows that when I go back to Barcelona, I am always getting told what to do, and here in London I can relax.”

“I am comfortable here and Arsene Wenger has helped me a lot and for that I will always respect him.I would like to win a major trophy again, but we will see.”

Spain and his teammates
“It is a great honor to play for Spain. I played in the World Cup aged only 19. Who wouldn’t be excited?

I get on with Andres Iniesta because I used to be at Barcelona. Sergio Ramos and I came through the Spanish ranks together and I also speak to Xabi Alonso on the internet every day. He is doing well at Real.

“We all know that we still can get better and everyone is always very competitive because we cannot afford to be complacent – but we all get on and we are always laughing. You need that in a team, but we are a young squad and there’s so much talent we can win many trophies.”

Related posts:

1. Goal: Cesc Fabregas Interview
2. Post match interview + pics + gifs + news update
3. Cesc's interview with the Daily Mail
4. Cesc talks about being Captain and the premier league
5. Update on Spain + Nike interview transcript