Football fans were treated to the return of Cesc Fabregas to a London pitch on Monday night. On the eve of his two former Premier League clubs locking horns at the Emirates, the legendary midfielder lent his talents to a five-a-side roster at Westway Sports Centre. 

‘I wouldn’t say it’s nerves,’ Fabregas joked, speaking on behalf of Official UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League partner Enterprise Rent-A-Car as part of the Enterprise ‘Rent-A-Player’ competition. 

Nor would you expect him to be. The 36-year-old called time on his illustrious 20-year-long playing career in July 2023 having won, among other things, two Premier League titles, two European Championships, a Champions League title, and a World Cup. 

‘It’s excitement to be part of it.’ He told Mail Sport. ‘To be included in something like this is something very nice. Hopefully make the people that come happy, have a good time, experience some nice moments, and, of course, try to win.’ 

The former Spain international showed no sign of rust as he floated around the pitch in much the same manner as he had done for Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and even Como – where he ended his career and where he now coaches. 

The Serie B side are within touching distance of securing a place in the top-flight for the first time in more than 20 years. His success with the team has drawn comparisons to a couple of his compatriots; Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta, though, admittedly on a smaller scale. 

The former has led Bayern Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, while they have also reached the final of the German Cup and the semi-finals of the Europa League. His achievement is made all the more remarkable by the fact his side are yet to lose a game in all competitions. 

Premier League fans are far more aware of Arteta’s achievements – and failings – with his Arsenal side currently contesting a three-way fight for the Premier League title. 

‘It’s not how it starts. It’s not how it is in the middle. It’s about how it ends.’ Fabregas said when asked to assess the Gunners season. ‘They are still in the mix to fight for the Premier League. 

‘They are doing really well. This year it will be closer to the end than what they were last year because they probably didn’t show up in the last couple of games the way we were expecting. 

‘This year it will be much closer to the end, and I think they have a big chance.’ 

His confidence proved to be well founded as the north Londoners secured a thumping 5-0 victory at the Emirates to move three points clear at the top of the table. 

The display not only proved the young roster had rebounded from a wobble which saw them lose ground in the title race and get eliminated from the Champions League but pointed to a level of maturity that will be crucial if they are to pip Manchester City and Liverpool to the prize. 

Fabregas added: ‘It’s about keeping the right mentality right up till the end. This is what lacked last year, maybe a little bit of maturity in certain moments. 

‘This year they look quite fresh. They had a little dip recently but I watched them the other day against Wolves and they were back on it. So we’re looking forward to seeing how they react to that.’

‘Chelsea are in another moment,’ he continued on his other former London team.  ‘They are more about finding the right togetherness, figuring each other out, analysing certain performances individually, collectively. 

‘Sometimes I watch them play very well and not score enough. Then other days they are not at their best but they score a lot. 

‘It’s a team with a lot of ups and downs.’

The more pressing consideration for Fabregas on Monday night was his involvement in the exciting event. 

The ‘Rent-A-Player’ competition aims to enhance the experience of European grassroots football by allowing fans from the UK, Spain and France the chance to ‘rent from the best line-up in Europe.’

Fabregas is one of three legends of the game to take part, alongside Rayo Vallecano striker Radamel Falcao and ex-Manchester United stopper Fabian Barthez. And if his display is anything to go by, the midfielder could likely have continued playing for some time longer. 

He made a total of 501 appearances for Arsenal and Chelsea either side of a return to his boyhood club Barcelona, playing under Arsene Wenger as a youngster before starring under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge. 

With his current focus on Como in mind, thoughts on his playing days were not especially prevalent but when pressed, Fabregas revealed which of the two current rosters would lend itself best to his skillset. 

‘They are two different styles but for my type of game I think the Arsenal team suits me a little bit more’ He added. ‘Chelsea is a very vertical team. [Enzo] Fernandes, [Moises] Caicedo, Cole Palmer, you know, players like that play, so I’m sure I could manage to put my stamp on it. 

‘So they are both for my style of play, a little bit more Arsenal in this moment in time. But it’s all about being there and performing on the on the day.’ 

Cesc Fabregas was speaking on behalf of Official UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League partner Enterprise Rent-A-Car as part of the Enterprise ‘Rent-A-Player’ competition in London. Discover more at www.enterprise.co.uk/uel