A day with Cesc

Fabregas: Did not disappoint

Exceptional, a pleasure to work with, dedicated, determined, a presence, he has authority and is dominating games.

Arsene Wenger on Cesc Fabregas
Quotes of the week

Watch Nike's The Cesc Fabregas Show on Monday 19th May on Sky Sports 1 at 6.30pm and 9.30pm

Related links

Teams

• Arsenal

Players

• Cesc Fabregas

Also see

• The Cesc Fabregas Show
• Cesc tipped for greatness

Skysports.com's James Dall gets a sneak preview of The Cesc Fabregas Show.

It felt like my first school trip. Slumped on a butterscotch-coloured seat - jagged springs digging at my backside - with my cardigan buttons fastened and a fluttering in my stomach, a blend of nerves and giddy excitement.

The train bucked to a start; my trip to London to meet Arsenal midfield general Cesc Fabregas had begun.

After flicking through my all-important questions, the locomotive finally chugged into King's Cross. But first stop, interviews with a Frenchman and a Swede.

Upon arrival to the slick offices, I prepared for my one-on-one interview with the charming former referee Anders Frisk followed by the second instalment - a conference call from Mr Patrick Vieira.

Time passed slowly. The pack of assembled scribes chortled in harmonious fashion, while one wildly threw his fingers down on his laptop as if an ostentatious pianist.

Talkative

The interview finally took place, and all was well as Patrick was in talkative mood to provide us all with a range of decent angles for our forthcoming pieces.

Buoyed by the morning's events, I squeezed myself onto the tube. A businessman's head lulled up and down to my right as he did his best to resist the lures of a power-nap, while I could only think of the promise of an interview with one of my heroes: Nike's 'The Cesc Fabregas Show' awaited.

I strolled with intent before locating the television studios. I was forced to twiddle my thumbs by the door, though, as a doorman sneered at my polite request to gain entry to the venue. However after 20 minutes of ignorance, he finally saw my name was actually on the list, and in I went.

Backstage was dripped in showbiz and glamour - I felt out of place. Famous names came and went before the PR chaps confirmed I would be granted access to Arsene Wenger, Fabregas and Philippe Senderos.

I introduced myself to Senderos, who seemed a very pleasant man, before Arsene entered the room with an aura, heading straight to Cesc's family, greeting them fondly, and them vice versa.

Spanish-style canapés were then served before we were called to take our places in the studio - I did my best to be pulled into the growing buzz of excitement, but the promise of interviews after the show was still burning inside of my mind.

400 ticket holders were soon crammed into the venue, ushered into their suitable viewing places like a herd of cattle.

Then came the Spaniard's entrance, he trotted onto the stage with the audience shrieking gleefully at the first sight of their idol.

Cesc spoke to the presenters (Andy Goldstein and Rick Edwards), immediately I was hooked. He was charming, without a pinch of arrogance.

I could not help but be completely enveloped in his words, despite the laddish, booming yells of 'Tubes' - who stood to my left - from a number of the audience.

Insightful

Cesc spoke of his focus, his drive to improve - it was inspiring stuff. After an insightful intro, a number of big-names (including Paul Merson, Michael Thomas, Chris Kamara and Nicklas Bendtner) trickled onto the stage in batches to make their cameos.

I was having a wonderful time, but a pang of concern kept resurfacing in my chest. The event was running later and later. The proposed end time of 9.30pm was looking highly improbable - the likelihood of interviews was fading.

But back to the show, and after Cesc had laughed heavily at the brilliant Paul Kaye and then tested his touch against a whizz-kid, it was time for Monsieur Wenger.

Of his deft midfielder, the professor said: "Exceptional, a pleasure to work with, dedicated, determined, a presence, he has authority and is dominating games." Compelling stuff.

The Frenchman then proceeded to give a rousing speech of Arsenal's title charge next season. He received a roar of approval as he exited the stage. Something told me he would not be sticking around now, though, and my interview with the Gunners boss was surely off.

The jam-packed show finally came to an end not long before 11.30pm. Cesc had wowed his fans, while his travelled family rose to their feet to signify their pride.

Cesc departed to his changing room, and I quickly introduced myself before he was smothered with kisses and hugs from his family and friends. I knew now was certainly no time to invade his privacy.

The PR guys explained that they had done all they could, but no interview or interviews would now take place due to the unexpected late finish of the show. I believed them, and understood.

That flickering feeling in my stomach had turned to emptiness - an unexplainable gap that I knew not how to fill. I entered the sticky tube, and felt low.

Persona

It had been such a fantastic evening, and access to the talent would have been the icing on the cake.

However, after much reflection, I realised my initial feelings of disappointment were misplaced for I had been treated to the intriguing viewing of The Cesc Fabregas Show. It offered a rare insight into the persona of a world-beater.

So, my advice for you: make time for 6.30pm and 9.30pm on Monday 19th May, tune into Sky Sports 1 - San Miguel and a dish of olives in hand - and enjoy the tale of a true Spanish gent.