Cesc Fàbregas

Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas Soler (born 4 May 1987 in Arenys de Mar, Barcelona) is a Spanish central midfielder who captains the English Premier League club Arsenal and plays for the Spanish national team. Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with Barcelona but was signed by Arsenal in September 2003. He did not feature much in his first season for The Gunners, but following injuries to key midfielders in the 2004–05 season, his playing time increased. Before long, he had established himself as Arsenal's starting central midfielder and playmaker. He went on to break several of the club's records, earning a reputation as a technically gifted player. In international football, the Spaniard's national career began when he represented the Under-17 side at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Finland. As a result of his club performances, he was called up to the senior squad in 2006. He has played in the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008, where he was one of the players that helped Spain lift the trophy.