Cesc Fabregas commits to Como project, rules out immediate Italy job

Cesc Fabregas has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to Como while dismissing the prospect of taking charge of the Italian national team in the near future. The former Spain midfielder, now head coach of the Serie A-bound club, made the comments in Rome after receiving the prestigious Enzo Bearzot Award, becoming the first foreign recipient of the honour.

Speaking at the Salone d'Onore del Coni, Fabregas expressed deep loyalty to the Como project. "I am very attached to this project and this club for me is a family," he said. When asked about a potential future at a different club, he stated, "I see it as very difficult. Of course, in football you never say never. Last year I was interested to see how other clubs work and I informed the president. But then I made the decision to stay."

The 37-year-old also addressed speculation linking him to the Italy managerial role, a position currently held by Luciano Spalletti. Fabregas suggested the international game would not suit him at this stage of his coaching career. "The Italian national team? Maybe one day, for now I am too much of a coach, I need to be on the pitch every day with the boys," he explained. "Working for a national team would be a bit boring for me at this moment. When I am a bit older, who knows..."

Fabregas received the award, organized by Us Acli in collaboration with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), for his innovative work at Como. He took over as a player-coach in 2022 and, after retiring from playing, led the club from Serie B to a historic promotion to Serie A this season. In his acceptance speech, he dedicated the prize to the collective effort. "This award also goes to the city of Como, to a family that believed in a project, to the staff and the players," Fabregas said.

The ceremony also featured Fabio Capello, who received a lifetime achievement award. The former England and AC Milan manager praised Fabregas's impact on Italian football. "Fabregas in three years has done very beautiful things, a fantastic job, from B to A, he is a serious and important protagonist, he deserves everything," Capello said. He highlighted Fabregas's tactical approach, noting, "He plays with great simplicity, plays fast and tries to go vertical, something we have lost. He has possession going forward."

Damiano Lembo, president of Us Acli, explained the decision to award Fabregas. "This year we have expanded the borders of the Award, bestowing Cesc with this prestigious recognition, the first foreigner to receive the Bearzot," Lembo said. "We are excited, but aware of the message we want to convey. With Fabregas we reward innovation and merit at the same time."

With promotion secured, Fabregas's immediate focus is on preparing Como for their first Serie A campaign since 2002-03. His comments firmly shut down any speculation of an imminent departure, positioning him as the architect of the club's top-flight project. The challenge now shifts to building a squad capable of competing in Italy's premier division under his continued guidance.