Football: Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas confesses why he’s slam-dunk crazy about basketball

Published: 17 February, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

WHEN it comes to escaping the pressures of football, it’s a whole new ball game for Cesc Fabregas. 

The Arsenal captain is looking forward to supporting the Toronto Raptors when they take on New Jersey Nets ahead of the first NBA regular season games in Europe, which take place at the O2 Arena in London next month. 

Fabregas said: “I got into basketball a few years ago because in Spain it was not really big. But after Pau Gasol and some of the players went there (to the NBA) it became bigger and bigger. 

“I always follow the Lakers because Gasol is playing there and Kobe Bryant, one of the best players in the history of the NBA. 

“I follow Toronto as well because Jose Calderon plays there, another good Spanish player.”

Anyone interested in seeing the Nets play the Raptors at the London O2 Arena on Friday March 4 and Saturday March 5 should book tickets at www.theo2.co.uk