Fabregas wants Como to 'fly even higher'
Cesc Fabregas expressed his pride after Como secured European qualification for the first time in its history, but wants his side to "fly even higher" between now and the end of the season.
Exactly two years after mathematically securing promotion to Serie A, Como today achieved its first-ever qualification for a major European competition.
The last team to qualify for continental competitions no later than its second season after promotion to the Italian top flight had been Torino, which was promoted in 2011-2012 and qualified for the Europa League qualifiers at the end of the 2013-2014 season.
Fabregas's side is now assured of a place in next season's Conference League at the very least. Yet it could still climb into the Champions League or Europa League qualifying places in the final two games of the campaign.
Fabregas, who has overseen a significant transformation of Como's fortunes since taking charge two years ago, does not want his players to rest on their laurels.
"I'm very happy and proud today," he said. "Two years ago today, we were promoted to Serie A, and today, we're qualifying for Europe.
"The team, the club, the fans have all grown. It's inexplicable. We will remember this day 20 years from now.
"Many fans today have sent me messages talking about when we were in Serie D. We're not AC Milan, Inter, Juventus or Napoli, we're a humble team, and we want to enjoy this moment.
"These days, with social media, everything goes so fast, there's so much pressure. You have to enjoy it. I don't remember how many trophies I won, but there is much more to come. Now, we have two games left to go, and we will see if we can fly even higher."
