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Premier League: Chelsea captain John Terry hails Cesc Fabregas impact

Chelseas Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas celebrates scoring the opening goal of the Champions League, group G football match between Chelsea and Schalke
Image: Cesc Fabregas: Made a big impact since switching to Stamford Bridge in the summer

John Terry has hailed the ‘big impression’ Cesc Fabregas has made back in the Premier League, insisting he is ‘part of the Chelsea family’.

Fabregas spent eight years with the Blues’ rivals Arsenal before switching back to boyhood club Barcelona in 2011.

But the Spain international returned to England this summer and has played a key part in Chelsea's unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign which sees Jose Mourinho’s men sit three points clear at the top of the table.

Now he is one of us; part of the Chelsea family, and he is playing great. In the short time he has been here, he has made a big impression.
John Terry on Cesc Fabregas

Hailing the influence of Fabregas, Chelsea skipper Terry told Sport magazine: ''Obviously we were always competitive when we played against each other, and we had a little laugh about that. But that's what football is all about – the rivalry.

''But now he is one of us; part of the Chelsea family, and he is playing great. In the short time he has been here, he has made a big impression.

''He has a long contract, and we all hope he can bring great success to Chelsea for years to come.''

Attractive football

Terry believes Fabregas has helped Chelsea become stronger, saying: ''We have always wanted to play through the midfield, that has not changed. It was the same when Lamps was here. We want to play attractive football.

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After settling in well at Chelsea, Fabregas believes his side will have to keep improving if they are to win the title.

''Obviously Cesc is a world-class player. To have someone so influential from the Spain squad, along with Diego Costa, has been great.

''You can see the qualities Cesc brings to the pitch – he can find passes that others can't. He keeps the ball really well, and he helps us control games.

“When we are playing out from defence, he can help us keep the ball. He is associated with tiki-taka, but at Chelsea we have always played this way; pass the ball, control games, and give ourselves more options going forward.

''He's certainly added to the squad, and that’s why we are stronger now in the department.''

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