Wednesday, 24 August 2011

Cesc Fabregas: I am not Lionel Messi, and need time to adapt to Barcelona's play

The 24-year-old has completed his dream move back to Camp Nou, but has asked for patience from the team and supporters as he tries to fit into his new environment

Cesc Fabregas - Barcelona (Getty)
Cesc Fabregas - Barcelona (Getty)
Cesc Fabregas has spoken of his delight at being part of the Barcelona squad, but has stated that he will need time to adapt to the style of play of his new side.

The 24-year-old completed his dream move back to Camp Nou from Arsenal after a protracted transfer saga this summer, but still feels he needs to improve.

"From Monday to Monday I have lived spectacular memories that I will remember all my life. If people trust me, I still want to get better because I have a lot to prove," he is reported to have said to Sport. "I need to adapt to it all, I am not [Lionel] Messi. Everything here is more disciplined than playing for Arsenal. I have learned the new defensive side, I will work hard to get the ball back, but slowly I will take the guidelines and learn a lot."

Despite the high expectations of signing for the European champions, the 58-times capped Spaniard is enjoying being part of Pep Guardiola's squad, and scored his first goal against Napoli in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

"I'm enjoying being in the team and very happy to have scored my first goal in the Barca shirt, the last time I did that was with the youth team," said Fabregas. "The team is doing very well and we're getting better physically. I think this will make us more united, unity is strength and that shows on the field of play," he concluded.

Barcelona takes on Porto in the UEFA Super Cup on Friday, with Fabregas in contention to play.