Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas praised new manager Maurizio Sarri on Thursday saying he feels sensations “I thought maybe I would never feel again”, and that he hopes the club will extend his contract beyond this season.

The 31-year-old was speaking after playing for only for the second time this season in Thursday’s (4th October) unconvincing 1-0 UEFA Europa League home win over Hungarian champions Vidi FC.

The Spaniard had been sidelined for the start of the season with a knee injury he picked up in a pre-season game against Arsenal before making it worse in August’s Community Shield.

He has yet to play for Chelsea in the Premier League, with his only appearance before Thursday also coming in the Europa League, away at PAOK Salonika two weeks ago.

Competition for spaces in Chelsea’s midfield has also intensified with Sarri’s preferred starting lineup containing a midfield three of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho – signed from his former club Napoli for £57m in the summer – and Mateo Kovacic, on loan from Real Madrid.

But despite game time being harder to come by, Fabregas is so inspired by his Italian manager’s tactics – dubbed ‘Sarriball’ – that he would like the Blues to extend his contract beyond the end of this season.

Chelsea currently sit third in the Premier League table with 17 points, two behind early pacesetters Manchester City.

And midfielder Willian believes nothing but the full three points will suffice against Southampton on Sunday (7th October) if they are to maintain their dream of winning a third Premier League title in five years. SNTV

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