Per Mertesacker : How He Started Football Career

“I was not the big talent, so I kept football as a hobby,”
“The motivation was always to be fit and involved in a team, and not more - not to be a professional one day, not to be that keen on doing well every day."
“It was more fun for me, and that was good for me. It kept me grounded and very quiet."
“I took it as a hobby but I kept the belief inside me subconsciously and that was the key. No one went crazy when there was a defeat, no one went crazy when they said maybe I wasn’t good enough and went to the second team."
“That was very good for me. I stayed quiet and waited for the right moment, when I was 17 or 18."
“It’s all about opportunities and a bit of luck. It went so well for me."
“I needed a few injuries to some senior players to get to my first pre-season in the first team, and then some game time that was broadcasted on television. I did well then."
“You have to take that opportunity. It’s not only to get that, it’s to take it as well and perform solidly."
“That’s the key at that stage. I told myself it was now or never and I decided to take [the chance]. I could never predict that so many highlights would follow.”

arsenal.com

Cesc Fabregas : Advice for Young Player

‘A piece of advice I have received on several occasions is no matter if you are playing well or badly, always try to have a neutral mood,’ he explained. 

‘When you are doing well, at the top of your game and winning trophies, do not think: “I’m the best and that’s that”. And when things are going badly and you are down in the dumps, do not let it get you down.

‘When I was younger I had problems when we lost. I’d always blame myself. I would think we lost because of me. I would go home and beat myself up over it and it would really get me down. I have always had people help me, and now I am more mature after playing more games with experienced players and under great coaches.’

chelseafc.com