Cesc Fabregas' face says it all as Wayne Rooney admits he ...

Cesc Fabregas was left thrilled after Wayne Rooney revealed he watched videos of the midfielder for inspiration.

The Manchester United star’s role changed during his final years at Old Trafford. He switched from an out-and-out striker to more of a creative midfielder. And in an effort to get some hints on how to play the role, he watched some videos of some of the best playmakers in the world - one of which being former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas.

Asked by Gary Lineker who the best finisher he played with in his career was, the Spaniard replied: "I’ve been lucky to play with great players in front of goal. But if I had to say one that surprised me the most, and that I saw from a young, early age, throughout his career is Robin van Persie.

"I think Robin was more clinical. His overall play was fantastic and in front of goal, he could always come up with something very very special. When we were young, hours and hours and hours after training sessions."

Lineker then mentioned Rooney’s partnership with Van Persie at Old Trafford. He said: "You played with him when he went to Manchester United and you dropped into a 10 role. Is it true that you looked at videos of Cesc to see how he played?"

Rooney then replied: "I watched Cesc, because I was dropping a bit deeper. Cesc and Robin had a really good relationship, so I knew that would be my role then, so I watched a lot of clips of you [Fabregas]."

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Fabregas then intervened as he asked whether Rooney’s research into abilities helped. Man United’s record goalscorer replied: "Yeah it did! I think I then played a few passes, which you were known more to do for Robin to take the glory then. So I was on the other side. I was the one assisting but, yeah, I watched a lot of you."

Following his final few years at Old Trafford, Rooney moved to MLS side DC United before retiring with Derby. He moved into management with the Rams ahead of subsequent moves to DC, Birmingham City and now Plymouth Argyle - his current club.

Fabregas left Chelsea to join Monaco and eventually retired with Italian side Como. He was appointed as the club’s caretaker manager midway through last season on the way to promotion to Serie A.

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