Fabregas: Busquets ‘wants to become a coach’, Vardy ‘never’ in Como’s thoughts

“He’s a friend and an incredible person, as well as a [great] footballer,” Como coach Fabregas said at a press conference on Friday, via TMW.

“He and his family alike. I think the time has come; he should make room for the younger ones. But he’s that kind of player you fall in love with. The kind you don’t notice when he’s on the pitch, but when he doesn’t play, you realise how important he is.

“Huge congratulations because it was incredible to build such a career. He lives well, he sleeps well, even if, when you are young, it’s not easy to do that. He’s done it amazingly. He wants to become a coach, and I wish him the very best of luck.”

Fabregas even named a Como player with similar skill sets.

“I think Perrone has similar characteristics,” he said.

“He’s excellent in the short game, but he needs to grow more in making long passes. When you begin to look further and switch play…if he improves in that, he’ll enter another dimension and reach another level. He’s incredibly intelligent, like Busquets, with the potential to grow.”

Como qualified for the Coppa Italia Round of 16 earlier this week, beating Sassuolo 3-0 at home. Martin Baturina put in a convincing performance, but the Croat is still not a regular starter under Fabregas.

“I think he has demonstrated what kind of player he is. He’s scored against Milan and Monaco; he is a player of a significant level,” Fabregas argued.

“He must keep working; he’s done a crucial defensive job. Like Nico Paz, the defensive work often goes unnoticed. They put in intense, strong work, and it’s very important for us. He must be part of Como’s present and future. Playing in the same role as Nico is unfair, but he can cover other positions, too. I think he can play in a two-man midfield, but he needs to be patient because I believe in him, and he’s already shown a lot.”

Fabregas: Como didn’t want to sign Vardy

Como will face Vardy’s Cremonese in a Lombard derby tomorrow. The English striker visited Como two years ago, but Fabregas insists he was never close to joining the club, as reported by Italian media in the past.

“He was never close, that’s not true,” Fabregas concluded.

“He was never in our thoughts, even if he’s a fantastic player. He came here on the day of promotion, but nothing more than that. He’s a great guy and professional.”