Amy Lawrence Interview with Cesc

Amy Lawrence
The Observer
Sunday August 24 2008

It has not been the most edifying summer for the nation’s footballing icons. It is extraordinary, really, that players such as Frank Lampard and Emmanuel Adebayor consider badge-kissing a reasonable gesture at the end of dreary media sagas in the name of a whacking pay rise. In their defence, they might argue they were only playing the game. Everybody’s at it. Cristiano Ronaldo. Gareth Barry. Given half a chance, who wouldn’t? Flirting through an agent, or via a conveniently placed back-page lead, is simply what footballers do nowadays when they want something.

But the everybody’s-at-it excuse simply doesn’t wash. Even in this era of overbearing player power, some exceptionally talented players manage to increase their salary without whining to the papers or hiding behind the obnoxious claims of ’sources’. In 2006, without any fuss or attention, Cesc Fábregas penned an improved eight-year contract with his employers. At the time he was coveted enough to write his own terms with any European superclub. He could have increased his earnings if he had been prepared to kick up a stink, but he has better manners than that.

Two years on and the young man is preparing for a new season with Arsenal after another summer in which he could have joined Ronaldo, Lampard, Adebayor et al without even trying. He found himself starring in many a mischievous transfer story emanating from Spain. His response? He swiftly knocked them all back, outlined his commitment to Arsenal and quietly got on with enjoying his well earned holidays. If he wants a pay rise he will do it without the help of a public inquiry, muchos gracias.

It is almost impossible for a young footballer thrust into gold-tinged celebrity to maintain perspective. Fábregas has, to the extent that conversation with him begs the wistful question: ‘Why can’t they all be like that?’

Read entire article…