Cesc Fabregas Commends Arsenal for Supporting Mikel Arteta as Como Embraces Gunners' Culture

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has spoken highly of the club's leadership for standing firmly behind Mikel Arteta during his challenging early years as manager. Returning to the Emirates Stadium with his team, Como, for a pre-season friendly, Fabregas revealed that the Italian club is striving to mirror the culture and long-term vision of the Gunners.

Backing Through Tough Times

Fabregas' side held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in their friendly before the hosts won on penalties. The Spaniard praised Arsenal’s hierarchy for their enduring trust in Arteta, which eventually led to winning the Premier League title last season. He stressed how rare it is in modern football to see such dedication to a long-term plan, something he now aims to bring to Como.

Admiration for Arsenal's Long-Term Vision

With 303 appearances under his belt for Arsenal, Fabregas highlighted the board’s commitment to their strategy despite early setbacks in Arteta’s tenure. After the match, he said:

"Congratulations to the club in general starting from seven, eight years ago when they first started with this project. What you see every day in football, what Arsenal did, especially in difficult moments, doesn’t exist elsewhere. I told Edu, I told Andrea [Berta] when I came last year to a Champions League game, congratulations to the whole club for patience, sticking together, and staying true to the plan. For three years in a row, finishing eighth, eighth, eighth, then nearly reaching the Champions League in the fourth year was a big disappointment—Tottenham came and you finished fifth—but you kept going because you had a plan, an objective, progression. You kept moving forward."

Como Aims to Build Stability Inspired by Arsenal

Fabregas reflected on how today's football world often reacts too quickly to poor results by sacking managers and shifting styles, which disrupts consistency. He feels fortunate to be part of a project at Como that tries to build stability by adopting values similar to those Arsenal embodies.

"We lack this in football now. You lose three games, change the coach, and switch styles. I don’t believe in that approach much. I’m lucky to be involved in a project—of course at a lower level, with different history—but we’re trying to follow the stability Arsenal had, the values and culture they promote. Mikel has done an amazing job. I can only wish them the best. Most of these players are good people who want to play quality football and show respect. You see how they stick to the plan constantly. I’m really happy to return and feel that atmosphere."

Upcoming Matches

Arsenal will face Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff on Sunday, 16 August, before starting their Premier League defense against newly promoted Coventry City six days later.

On the same day, Como will play two friendlies against Liverpool, the first behind closed doors and the second with fans present. Following these matches, Como will prepare for their Serie A season opener against Udinese the following Saturday.

• Match: Arsenal vs Manchester City
• Date: 16 August 2026
• Event: Community Shield
• Location: Cardiff

• Match: Como vs Liverpool (two friendlies)
• Date: 16 August 2026
• Details: First game behind closed doors, second open to supporters

• Serie A Opener: Como vs Udinese
• Date: Saturday following 16 August 2026