Roberto Carlos: Arsenal Must Keep Cesc

Former Real Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos is looking forward to the challenge of Arsenal in Istanbul tonight.

But there has recently been much speculation about the future of Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas at the club - even though the Catalan himself has been at pains to correct mis-quotes and reaffirm his commitment to the Gunners.

Carlos is in no doubt that Cesc's exit would be a devastating blow for manager Arsene Wenger.

He told The Sun: “When people think about Arsenal they talk about Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie but for me the key player for them is Fabregas.

“The young Spaniard is a fabulous player and key to the team. They are a very offensive outfit but they need a creator and Fabregas does that, as well as defend well.

“Fabregas is the player we will have to watch the most in this game because it is one we need to win.

“He would be a great loss to Arsenal if he ever left the club."

Carlos has also warned Arsenal that it will be tough for them in Istanbul.

He said: “People might look at where we are in the group [bottom, to Arsenal's top] and think that we are easy to beat but that is not the case.

“Arsenal have a lot of injuries in their team so they will have a few inexperienced players and the atmosphere at our stadium could be a real shock for them.”


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