Cesc Fabregas prepared to battle all the way for Antonio Conte’s trust

Chelsea 3 Swansea 1: At 29, and with an astonishing 671 senior appearances for club and country already to his name, Cesc Fabregas insists he is facing new challenges under Antonio Conte and has pledged to remain at Chelsea for as long as the club wants him to stay.

For all his experience and bulging trophy cabinet, the Spaniard’s future has been questioned this season after being forced to operate largely on the fringes of Conte’s starting line-up. Handed only his sixth Premier League start of the season on Saturday, however, Fabregas showed his continuing value as an attacking midfielder with his side’s opening goal and all-round display that revived memories of his better days when he helped the club to the title two seasons ago.

Fabregas’ performance was a testimony to the way Conte has successfully managed his squad. The Chelsea head coach has stuck with a small tight-knit group of players, making changes infrequently yet keeping all the group happy. It helps when one of those players has reached a point in his career where he has the maturity to accept whatever role is placed upon him and who is adamant he will not simply seek a way out in a bid to find a nailed-on starting spot elsewhere.