Fabregas pleased by Arsenal progress

Cesc Fabregas showed his soft spot for former club Arsenal on Thursday, saying he was glad they qualified for the Champions League.

Arsenal were forced to secure their qualification for Europe’s premier club competition without midfield maestros Fabregas and Samir Nasri, after both completed big money moves to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively.

The Gunners were forced to come from behind against Italian side Udinese on Wednesday night before taking a 2-1 win and a 3-1 aggregate triumph to book their place in the Champions League group stages.

Fabregas said he was happy for his former team, still referring to Arsenal as if he were playing there.

“I became a bit scared when they (Udinese) scored, and after the penalty but I think after we saved the penalty the game became more comfortable for us,” Fabregas said.

“I think we played very well and I’m very happy for Arsenal and for their fans because they deserve to win the Champions League.”

“It’s a big plus for the club and the players because it’s a very difficult season, and I’m sure from this they will get so much confidence, and then they can move forward.”

Fabregas, 24, said he is settling in well at Barcelona – the club where he played as a youth – and is focused on staying fit this season after injury blighted his final year at Arsenal.

“Well it’s nice because I know basically 90 per cent of the players and they made it very easy for me,” he said.

“It’s a pleasure for me to be a part of this great football club and we just want to focus on tomorrow and the rest of the season because it’s going to be a very difficult season.”

“We play every three days basically, from now until the end. We will have to be very strong mentally and take care of ourselves because it will be a very tough season.”