This summer, the Spanish National Team successfully completed their international ‘treble’ and found themselves back in familiar territory on the winner’s podium. One player in particular, however, wouldn’t have used the phrase ‘familiar territory’ to describe his month in Poland and the Ukraine. Cesc Fabregas was used as a striker, a winger, and at times a central midfielder throughout the tournament. Getting the nod sometimes over such established strikers as Fernando Torres, Fernando Llorente, and Alvaro Negredo, Fabregas learned to adapt in his new role, creating and scoring goals in the process. Despite having to leave his comfort zone, adapting wouldn’t have been a new concept to the Spaniard. Not many players could leave the comfort of their favored position and lead the attack of the best team in the world. In this multi-part series, we take a look at Fabregas’ rise to stardom: his start, his bold move to leave his homeland, and the dividends that have been paid for the sacrifices he’s made along the way.

In the summer of 2003, a 16 year old Spanish midfielder secured the U17 World Championships Golden Boot with five goals. Though his team was bettered by Brazil in the final, scouts around the world knew that Cesc Fabregas wasn’t just an ordinary boy from Cataluña. Born and in raised in a small beach town just outside of Barcelona, Fabregas’ passion for football and FC Barcelona were both solidified when as a nine month old his grandfather took him to Camp Nou for the first time. With dreams of one day playing in Camp Nou, the Spaniard began his organized footballing career as an eight year old with local side CF Mataro before being scouted by Barcelona’s youth academy and moving to La Masia as a ten year old. It was here, at arguably the world’s most famous youth academy, where Cesc began accelerating at football and improving steadily.

A year or so after joining La Masia, Fabregas had built formidable friendships with his teammates – notably with Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique. Together, the three players led their youth team to numerous victories. The pitches of Barcelona were dominated by visions of this year’s Barcelona First Team: Pique’s defensive presence minding the back, Cesc’s composed nature in the midfield, and Messi’s terrorizing attack in the final third. With several years of the some of the world’s best footballing development under his belt, Cesc was soon rewarded a spot in the U16 Spanish National Team. He was then included in his country’s final list of players for the U17 World Championships in Finland in the summer of 2003.

Though Cesc wanted nothing more than to break into the first team of his beloved club, opportunities seemed very limited. Barcelona’s midfield cast featured the likes of Riquelme, Cocu, Xavi, and Mendieta to name a few. Luis Enrique, Thiago Motta, and Iniesta all also occupied roles in a rather congested central area. With this in mind, Fabregas was far more open when London giants Arsenal came calling after the World Championships. At only sixteen years of age and unable to speak English, the youngster took a leap of faith – one big enough to land him under the watchful eyes of Arsene Wenger, a man renowned for his ability to nurture young talent.

Fabregas’ arrival in North London wasn’t surrounded by the hype of the transfers of today. Mind you he was only a 16-year-old kid, and a relative unknown to most of the football world, but the deal did see Giovanni van Bronckhorst go the other way. The youngster immediately moved into digs as most young players do when moving to London from abroad or other parts of England. A landlady at his new residence in Barnet made sure to cook meals, do laundry, and provide supervision – essentially acting as his mother away from home. Fabregas wasn’t alone – Philippe Senderos, the towering Swiss center half who had been scouted by clubs all over Europe including Real Madrid and Inter Milan, had also just signed for Arsenal from Servette FC in Switzerland. They were both assigned to the same house and soon their first year was underway.

Many can question those that say Cesc left Barcelona for a better shot at first team opportunities. Arsenal had just won a domestic double in 2002 and were widely considered one of the best, if not the best, team in Europe. With a midfield boasting Patrick Vieira, Ray Parlour, Edu, Gilberto Silva, Robert Pires, Freddie Lljungberg, and others, chances of breaking into the Arsenal fold seemed equally challenging. Fabregas faced other challenges, however, and spent the first portion of his time in London adjusting to his new life. Between the language barrier (Fabregas didn’t speak English when he first moved to London), climate in London, and problems any 16 year old faces when growing up, the young Spaniard had plenty to focus on. Despite the footballing mountain that stood between him and the first team, however, Fabregas soon began the initial steps that would ultimately lead to his meteoric rise for club and country.

Within months, Cesc was soon finding his feet in London. He was made to take English lessons as all foreign signings at Arsenal are made to do, he became comfortable in the city, and most of all, he became comfortable at the training ground. After making a handful of youth and reserve team appearances in the first half of the season, the sixteen year old was called into first team action by Wenger in the club’s Carling Cup fixture against Rotherham United at Highbury on October 28th, 2003. Those that were there will remember one thing – never before had a sixteen year old taken the pitch at Highbury and put in such a convincing, mature performance. Wearing number 57, Fabregas controlled the midfield, making seasoned professionals look like amateurs on the playground. He commanded the ball, switching the play when necessary, speeding the game up when it needed to be, and slowing things down when control was required. He was subbed off in the 85th minute to a rousing ovation from the Arsenal faithful. Though not everyone may have realized it at the time, they had all witnessed something very special. Despite becoming the youngest player to ever play for Arsenal, his awareness, technical ability, and confidence highlighted the victory.

Six weeks later, Cesc found himself in the record books again. With a spot in the Carling Cup semi-finals up for grabs against Wolves, the Gunners put in quite the shift and bettered their opposition with a 5-1 scoreline. Once again, Highbury’s loyal supporters were given something special when Fabregas became Arsenal’s youngest ever goalscorer in the 88th minute – a record he still holds to this day.

Only six months into his contract, the youngster had already come a very long way. By the beginning of 2004, he found himself training with the first team more and more, and after returning for preseason for the start of the 2004-2005 season, he was handed the 15 shirt and with it, a place in the first team dressing room. By the time the Community Shield had rolled around to kickstart the new season, Fabregas was 17 years old and playing like most players would dream of playing in their prime. He was selected by Wenger to lead the midfield against Manchester United at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff and once again put in a shift to remember. Pitted against United’s Roy Keane, Fabregas, brandishing a mullet generally reserved for 80’s music videos, fearlessly retained possession and brought about an air of calmness in a team that had lost its captain through injury. Arsenal fans soon began singing his name: “Fabregas, ohhh ohhh ohhh ohhh, Fabregas, ohhh ohhh ohhh ohhh, he’s only 17, he’s better than Roy Keane! Fabregas…”

The 3-1 victory over United was massive for the club as well as the fans. Despite losing their loveable captain Vieira through injury, Fabregas had stepped into the midfield and filled his boots seamlessly. The Spaniard’s ability to slot in next to Gilberto was wonderful news for Arsenal.

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