Fabregas plays down Messi comparison

Cesc Fabregas insists comparisons between himself and Lionel Messi are of little interest as Spain chase Euro 2012 glory.

Vicente del Bosque’s side came through Saturday night’s quarter-final against France with ease, beating Les Bleus 2-0 through goals either side of the interval by Xabi Alonso.

Fabregas again started up-front for his country, playing in the ‘false nine’ position that Messi has impressed in on occasion for Barcelona.

However, the ex-Arsenal star insists he is not trying to emulate his Blaugrana teammate, and is instead looking to help his country go as far as possible once again in a major competition.

"It's a silly idea; I've never compared myself to Messi. I play where the boss asks me too and that's it,” Fabregas is quoted as saying in AS.

“He's a very different player to me and he's the best player in the history of football. I don't imagine anything here. I just try to help the team. It's a position I like and nothing more.

“It's not expected at any time that I'm going to beat four players and score a goal for the side like Messi does. People expect me to do what I can and that's it."

The Argentine playmaker certainly scores more goals than Fabregas, notching 73 in all competitions last season for Barcelona.

However, Fabregas is capable of chipping-in in-front of goal when it matters, and will be hoping to make a positive impact in Wednesday’s semi-final clash against Portugal in Donetsk.