“It wasn’t pleasant” - Fabregas names 2 ex-teammates at Barcelona and Chelsea as most ‘tenacious’ defenders he played against
Former Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who turned out for Chelsea and Barcelona, has named two of his teammates at the iconic clubs as the most tenacious defenders he played against. The FIFA World Cup winner named Carles Puyol and John Terry, two legendary figures in European football, as the toughest he has ever faced.
Fabregas played 151 games for Barcelona, bagging 42 goals and 50 assists for them, before joining Chelsea for whom he played 198 games, scoring 22 times and giving 57 assists. The Spaniard won every major prize in club football with both teams and is fondly remembered by both sets of fans.
Speaking about his time with both clubs with the BBC in a recent interview, Fabregas talked about how tough both club's iconic captains were to play against, saying:
“Carles Puyol and John Terry (are the most tenacious defenders I played against).
"They are two of those defenders that you don’t want to face. When you play as a no.10, second striker, you have to face them and be in these pockets and you know they are going to jump in from behind and smash you. It wasn’t pleasant.”
Terry and Puyol are retired now but are fondly remembered as legendary players at Barcelona and Chelsea respectively. Fabregas, who is also retired, looks set to manage Serie A outfit Como next season.
Chelsea interested in Barcelona's Marc Guiu
Chelsea have emerged as suitors in the race to sign Barcelonba youngster Marc Guiu this summer. The 18-year-old scored on his debut for Blaugrana in October and managed two goals in seven appearances for his boyhood club.
The Blues have been looking for a backup striker this summer, with the West London outfit keen to find cover and competition for Nicholas Jackson. Guiu could be the man they are looking for, with the Spaniard reportedly having a release clause of €6 million.
Guiu, who came through the reputed La Masia academy has one year left on his current deal with Barcelona and could leave for free next summer. It remains to be seen if the club extends his current deal, with reports suggesting that the Blaugrana are keen to hold on to him.
Chelsea, though, remain in the driver's seat and could snap up the talented young striker for a bargain.