Cesc Fàbregas is a name that will forever be etched in the history of Arsenal football club. The Spanish midfielder rose through the ranks of Barcelona’s youth academy and moved to North London at the tender age of 16. It didn’t take long for him to establish himself as one of world football’s most talented young midfielders.

Fàbregas made over 300 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 57 goals and providing countless assists during his eight-year stint at the club. He was instrumental in helping the Gunners reach two Champions League finals and captained them for three seasons before departing for Barcelona in 2011. Although his departure left a sour taste in many fans’ mouths, there’s no denying that Fàbregas significantly impacted Arsenal both on and off the pitch.

Many see remarkable similarities between Fàbregas and the new gunner captain Martin Odegaard. A comparison that Cesc himself willingly accepts. “I like his style, his intelligence and the way he moves to find small spaces to make a difference. He was 15 years old, and now he’s captain of Arsenal. He reminds me a bit of me when they gave me the bracelet at 21. No It’s something easy. Arsenal is a big club, and people demand results. Everyone expects a lot from him”, said Fàbregas.

Odegaard had admitted in January 2021 that one of the reasons why he agreed to be loaned to Arsenal was because of the admiration he felt for Cesc. “Fàbregas has been one of my idols since I was a child. He was a ‘top’ player, and I tried to learn everything I could from his way of controlling and managing games and his ability to score goals and distribute assists,” said the Norwegian.

Cesc and Odegaard only met in October of last year, something that Martin was very pleased about “I was able to meet Fàbregas in person, and we talked a little about everything. I liked his ideas, his way of seeing football and also his way to be”, the Arsenal captain acknowledged to ‘ESPN.’