F

or the eight years Francesc Fabregas has meandered around the English Premiere League, he has never forgotten the soccer memories from his hometown, Barcelona.

“I always considered myself a little bit as a street-born player, because I always played with the kids in the middle of the night, in the middle of the day, at schools, on the weekend,” Fabregas said, describing his young soccer days in an interview in Jakarta on Wednesday.

“I always tried to do my best and enjoyed it, and I never thought of being a professional. That’s how I improved — being on the street for many hours.”

In addition to the constant practice, his mother pushed him to stay fit, as well.

“I always hated it, that I had to go to sleep at 10 [the night] before the game.”

Luckily, Fabregas was a good boy, and Mrs. Soler never had to keep him on a short leash. At an early age, he realized the importance of good nutrition. Instead of burgers, Fabregas ordered salads or fish and plenty of protein.

The Catalan also emphasized the importance for kids to have heroes to achieve their dreams. “I’ve been a kid myself. I always wanted to see a [soccer] player that I took inspiration from.”

When asked about how the young Spaniard players were developing, for example the Under-21 National Team winning group B of the 2011 Euro Cup, the Arsenal captain said it was because of philosophy.

“In Spain, the teams and the managers in La Liga [the Spanish premiere league] always try to play a similar style of football. The youngsters are used to playing in big games; therefore, they look much more comfortable”

Spanish soccer remained important to him. “Yes, I miss it, although I never played there [professionally].”

When asked what every soccer aficionado wants to know, if he would ever return to Barcelona, he said, “I cannot answer that now.” A bit later, he replied, “Yes, I will go to Barcelona on a holiday. Barcelona for me is the best place to be, because all my family is there, my friends. It is a nice way to disconnect from football. ... I live a little bit away. It’s a small town, and it’s fantastic to live there”

The down-to-earth Francesc Fabregas is in Indonesia as a brand ambassador for a biscuit made by Kraft Food Indonesia, and will give a coaching clinic to national soccer finalists in Bali on Thursday.

“I always liked little kids. For me, they are the future of [soccer], the future of the world. That’s why I think it is important for me and for the kids.” he said.

Wherever he goes, Fabregas brings his passion for soccer. He remembers his roots, but his new loyalties are strong, too. He will always be a “boomer” from Barcelona.