Fabregas praises Xavi influence

Cesc Fabregas has stressed he didn’t join Barcelona to take Xavi’s starting berth.

Fabregas said the midfield maestro still has plenty to offer and he is keen to play alongside the 31-year-old.

Fabregas completed his transfer from Arsenal to Camp Nou on Monday and made his debut for the Catalans two days later in the 3-2 Spanish Supercopa second-leg win over Real Madrid.

“I think that Xavi still has some years left in him. He does things you wouldn’t believe. I haven’t come to retire Xavi. I came here to play with Xavi, to compete with Xavi, and to win with Xavi,” Fabregas said.

“What I’m saying about Xavi also goes for Andres [Iniesta] and Thiago [Alcantara]. I think altogether we make a very good group. I know what we’ll do. With the great group we are, we’ll do great things together.”

The former Gunners ace then went on to say that he’s still developing as a player and added that his best years are still to come.

“I’m very young and the best years of my football career are beginning now, and in the future. I still have a lot to learn and hope to mature with Barca for many years to come.”