Cesc Fabregas says the Spanish national team is still hungry for more after the success of the past few years.
In an interview with Marca before Spain contest the Confederations Cup in Brazil, the Barcelona midfielder also spoke of his situation at the Camp Nou, striker Neymar’s arrival from Santos, and his feelings over the departed Eric Abidal.
“This tournament in Brazil may seem minor but it is very important to us. I’m very proud and identify with what we have done so far, but you need to continue that.
“This team is never satisfied and we want the Confederations Cup because this generation deserves to win every title, “said the former Arsenal man.
“This hunger never disappears. In fact, it is the reverse because the more you win the more you want, the nearer you see the objectives. We have the advantage of knowing what it means to win, what it takes, so we are ready to go again.”
The 26-year-old was asked the significance of taking part in a competition staged in Brazil and getting the opportunity to play in the Maracana Stadium.
“This is a country where some of the greatest players in history have come from. I remember that when I was little, in New York, I bought a Ronaldo shirt, but my idol was Rivaldo. He was awesome.
“The Maracana is one of those mythical stadiums that you dream of playing in one day,” he replied.
Over the past few weeks Fabregas has been consistently linked with a return to the Premier League, Manchester United and Arsenal having shown particular interest, but he insists it is something he knows nothing about.
“Whoever says that I am leaving Barca has never spoken to me about it. I think I had a very good season as I played many minutes, a lot of games. I also took part in the 10 games the national team played.”
In addition, Fabregas commented on Barca’s signing of Neymar and whether or not he can get on with Lionel Messi, both on and off the field.
“At a media level things have gone crazy [since he signed]. I’ve only seen him play twice but from what I’ve seen on You Tube he looks amazing. The truth is that when games in Brazil are being played I’m usually asleep.
“Neymar and Leo are two great players but Leo has been the best all these years and will want to remain so. Neymar will also want to be the best, like everybody else.
“The important thing to know is that Messi is our team leader and those of us who surround him have to help so that the team remains competitive. Leo has always been in the headlines and will remain so.”
There were also words for former Barca defender Eric Abidal and his recovery after being forced to undergo a liver transplant.
“It was a real shame what happened but then there was the joy of seeing him again, his discharge from hospital, his return to the team, seeing him play again…
“It was a lesson in what it is to want something, to have the strength to overcome all the obstacles that are placed in front of you in life.
“On a personal level it has made me value things for what they are. Sometimes we get angry over stupid things. I almost always get annoyed after training and I’m usually never happy.
“You see things happen and it’s good to push yourself, but you should appreciate what you have. Abidal had some very bad days and emerged from the end of the tunnel.
“To see him again was a release, firstly for him and his family, but also for the rest of us,” he added.
