Cesc Fabregas is left thrilled after Wayne Rooney revealed how he learned from the former Arsenal and Chelsea star
- Cesc Fabregas was delighted when Wayne Rooney revealed how he learned from him
- Rooney was often deployed in midfield in the latter stages of his career
- Listen to It all starts! “I think he’s missing!” Why is the ‘invisible’ Declan Rice immune to criticism?
Cesc Fabregas was left excited after Wayne Rooney revealed how he learned from him.
Fabregas, who had spells at Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona, was undoubtedly one of the best midfielders of his generation.
Although primarily a striker, Rooney was often used in the latter stages of his career.
Fabregas and Rooney are both part of the BBC’s expert team for their Euro 2024 coverage.
There was a sweet moment between the pair when Rooney revealed that he used Fabregas as an inspiration.
Cesc Fabregas was left excited after Wayne Rooney revealed how he learned from him
Fabregas was asked by Gary Lineker who was the best finisher he played alongside, to which he replied Robin van Persie.
Fabregas said on BBC Sport: ‘I have been lucky to play with great players in front of goal. But if I have to say one that has surprised me the most and that I have watched from a young age throughout his career, it is Robin van Persie.
‘I think Robin was more clinical. His overall play was fantastic and he could always come up with something really special in front of goal. When we were young, hours and hours and hours after practices.”
Lineker then commented on how Rooney also played with van Persie at Manchester United.
Fabregas revealed that Robin van Persie was the best finisher he played with
Rooney took inspiration from Fabregas on how to play with Van Persie
He said: ‘You played with him when he went to Manchester United and you got a 10 role. Is it true that you watched videos of Cesc to see how he played?’
Rooney then revealed that when he played in midfield, he often looked to Fabregas for inspiration.
Rooney said: “I looked at Cesc because I was down a bit. Cesc and Robin had a very good relationship so I knew that would be my role so I watched a lot of clips of you [Fabregas].’
Fabregas then asked Rooney if watching him helped, to which the former Manchester United star replied: ‘Yes, it did! I think I then played a few passes, which you were known to do so that Robin would then take the honors. So I was on the other side. I was the one assisting, but yes, I watched you guys a lot.”
After leaving United, Rooney returned to Everton and later had spells at DC United and Derby County.
