Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas: 'Happy to play number 10 role but I'm more comfortable in midfield'

Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas has told IBTimes UK he is more comfortable playing in midfield than as a number 10 after the Spaniard returned to a more attacking role during the 3-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon.

The Spaniard left Barcelona in the summer due to frustration over his peripheral role, but also because he was often forced to play as a "false number nine" – with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho even saying the Catalans wasted Fabregas by playing him out of position.

But as Fabregas is going to miss the game against Hull on Saturday 13 December due to suspension, the Portuguese boss opted to rest Oscar against Sporting, deploying the Spaniard in the Brazilian's place behind Diego Costa in Chelsea's final Champions League group game.

Fabregas scored the opener from the penalty spot and was crucial in the assist for John Obi Mikel's third goal.

But when asked after the game whether he would rather play in a deeper role, he said: "I have already said that I am more comfortable in the midfield. I really enjoy [playing in the middle of the park]," the Spaniard said to IBTimes UK.

"[Against Sporting] I played a little bit more advanced and if I have to play in the number 10 role, it is also a position that I really like. I am very happy [with my football at Chelsea]. I am having a regularity that I hadn't had for a long time and I feel important."

Given that both Chelsea and Barcelona topped their respective groups, there is no chance of Fabregas facing his former Blaugrana teammates in the next round, and he did not hide his relief at being kept apart from the Camp Nou giants.

"They are very strong" Fabregas said. "The [later] we face them the better."

Chelsea could face Juventus, FC Basel, Bayer Leverkusen, PSG or Shakhtar Donetsk in the first of the knockout rounds.

Mourinho said he wants to draw Ligue 1 champions PSG, who finished runners-up to Barcelona in their group, but Fabregas refused to express his preference.

He said: "No matter who face we have to look ahead. Juventus and PSG are obviously the strongest but Basel have previously won here [at Stamford Bridge]. Shakhtar are always a strong side too. We will see."