Cesc Fàbregas speaks candidly about Arsenal ahead of the Premier League 2026-27 season.
Cesc Fàbregas praised the Arsenal management for their patience and trust in Mikel Arteta, which led to the team winning the 2025-26 English Premier League title. He believes all the players fully support the manager in defending their Premier League crown.
Fàbregas returned to visit his former club in a friendly match on Wednesday night, where his Como team drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium before Arsenal won 4-3 on penalties.
Fàbregas, who played 303 matches for Arsenal, said, “Congratulations to everyone at the club. Seven or eight years ago when they started this project, what you see in football every day, what Arsenal has done, especially during difficult times, no longer exists.”
“I told Edu and Andrea (Berta) when I came to the Champions League game last year that I congratulated the club for their patience, unity, and commitment to the plan.”
“Previously, the goal wasn’t reached yet, but you keep moving forward because you have a plan, a goal, and progress, so you continue.”
“We lack this in today’s football. You lose three games, change the coach, he plays one style, then you switch to another. In the end, I don’t really believe in that.”
“I was very lucky to be part of a project, admittedly at a much lower level historically and otherwise, but we tried to find the stability that Arsenal once had—the values and culture they brought.”
“I think Mikel has done an excellent job, so I sincerely wish them good luck because most of the team, if you talk to them, are good people who want to play good football. They have respect, and you can see they stick to the plan all the time. I’m genuinely happy to be back here and experience this atmosphere.”
Arsenal will face Manchester City in the Community Shield this Sunday before starting their Premier League title defense at home against Coventry City on 21 August 2026.