Cesc eyes another decade

Spanish schemer reveals relief at Henry departure

By Alex Dunn   Last updated: 24th September 2007  

Cesc eyes another decade

Fabregas: Content at Arsenal

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Cesc Fabregas has declared himself to be so content at Emirates Stadium that he could still be at Arsenal ten years from now, while at the same time revealing that Thierry Henry's departure has been liberating.

The diminutive Spaniard has been in imperious form thus far this season, with his promptings from the centre of midfield propelling Arsenal to the Premier League summit.

Henry's departure to Barcelona in the summer cast a shadow of uncertainty over North London in pre-season but the form of new talisman Fabregas, and his rapidly maturing team-mates, has seen the mood shift significantly.

Having scored six goals from his last six appearances the 20-year-old is in buyout mood and he predicts that his stay in the capital will prove to be a long one.

Contentment

"Right now, yes," said Fabregas, when quizzed on whether he could see himself at Arsenal in ten years' time.

"I love everything about English football. The pace of the game, the attacking style.

"I feel like a kid playing in the street."

Fabregas proceeded to candidly reveal that Henry's move to Camp Nou lifted a weight of apprehension from those that felt intimidated by the Frenchman's presence.

It would be fair to suggest Arsenal have played with an unbridled enthusiasm and freedom this season, that was conspicuous by its absence in Henry's final campaign with the club.

Henry exit

And Fabregas accepts that in Henry's absence, several others have stepped from the periphery to play major roles in what is a rejuvenate Arsenal side.

"Henry intimidated us," he confessed in The Times.

"He is a great player but it was not easy to play alongside him.

"We were a bit inhibited - dependent on everything that he wanted to do.

"Everyone was saying that this year without Henry we would be nowhere. That has motivated everyone."