Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been edging his way into the world of coaching since his retirement, and he now has his first full job.
Fabregas controversially left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2011, before returning to the Premier League with Chelsea in 2014.
He then moved to Monaco in 2019, before finishing his career at Italian second-division side FC Como.
The Spaniard briefly became Como interim manager in December last year, having stayed as a coach, and moved back into an assistant role for the rest of the season as they earned promotion to Serie A.
The former midfielder has now taken a huge step in his managerial career, as he has been promoted to Como head coach as they embark on their journey in the Italian top flight.
Cesc Fabregas becomes FC Como head coach
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that despite rumours linking Fabregas with a coaching role at Chelsea, he is set to become the Como manager.
“Cesc Fàbregas, on the verge of signing new long term deal as Como head coach after excellent work last season. Being included in Chelsea staff was never an option this summer, full focus on Como project after getting promoted to Serie A,” he posted on X.
Cesc Fabregas follows other ex-Arsenal captains into coaching
Fabregas is not the only former Arsenal captain to follow a path into coaching, having admitted a desire to move into a senior role. Thierry Henry is currently managing the France Olympics squad, but has been informed by Arsenal that he cannot call up defender William Saliba.
Patrick Vieira is manager of French side RC Strasbourg, and Per Mertesacker is heading up the Arsenal Academy. The best example of them all though, is Mikel Arteta, who has revived his old club into a title-challenging side.
Robin van Persie has also taken his first job at Dutch side Hereenveen, having captained Arsenal for a year after Fabregas departed.
Fabregas could not stay on as an interim coach at Como as he did not have a UEFA Pro coaching licence. He has this now, and is able to manage Como in the Italian top flight, and other former top-class central midfielders from his generation in Daniele De Rossi and Thiago Motta are set to face him as coaches.
Recently departed Arsenal players Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny were also doing their coaching badges whilst playing, which could lead to future careers on the touchline.