Cesc keen to avoid more 'hurt'

Midfielder eyes Euro 2008 final success following Arsenal agony

By James Dall   Last updated: 28th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Cesc keen to avoid more 'hurt'

Fabregas: Seeks final tonic

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Cesc Fabregas is desperate to avoid a repeat of the 'hurt' of losing a major final when Spain do battle with Germany on Sunday.

Arsenal midfielder Fabregas suffered heartache when the Gunners were defeated in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona.

But two years on the 21-year-old is ready to do 'whatever it takes' to claim glory when the Spanish take on Germany in the Euro 2008 final at the Ernst-Happel Stadion.

"I know what it's like losing a big final," Fabregas said. "I know just how much it hurts - and I don't want to do it again.

"Of course we haven't achieved our objective yet. We can't draw the line with getting to the final. We want to go home with the cup.

"We have 90 or 120 minutes left or even 125 minutes with the penalties, whatever it takes to go home with the trophy."

Ballack threat

Fabregas went on to highlight the threat of Germany captain Michael Ballack, who has impressed during this summer's tournament.

"Ballack has been doing a massive job for them," Fabregas explained.

"Defensively and attacking he's one of the best players of the tournament for me. It is why we will have to try to play our best game of the tournament. They are a very competitive side, a very strong team and so difficult to beat."

Meanwhile, striker Fernando Torres believes Spain, who are without an international title since 1964, could be about to embark on a successful era after the country reached their first major final since 1984.

Making history

The Liverpool forward said in The Sun: "This team is already making history, but we can do even more.

"We know we made history but we also know we can do more in the future. We are very proud to play the final and against Germany, who are a great rival.

"I hope the best is yet to come. I think it's a huge success that Spain are in the final after such a long time but we are not satisfied with that. We want to be champions."