Fabregas: What matters is to play and feel the support of my team-mates

Cesc Fabregas has made it clear that criticism no longer bothers him ahead of Spain's European Championship round of 16 tie with Italy on Monday.

The former Barça midfielder endured a poor season with Chelsea and, as of yet, hasn't stamped his mark for the Roja in France.

"I don't feel challenged because I don't look at what is said [about me], these things don't affect me" Fabregas told 'Tiempo de Juego' on Cadena COPE.

"What matters to me is to play and feel the support of my team-mates."

Fabregas also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of Vicente del Bosque, who's been put into the spotlight after Spain's second-place finish behind Croatia in Group D amidst talk of a contract extension from the Real Federacion Espanola de Fútbol (RFEF) president, Angel Maria Villar.

"I noticed that Vicente is very calm, more than ever. I see he's very well in training and preparing for games, he's not tired.

"I would say to Villar that Del Bosque has to remain [as coach], he's given us a lot, likes football and people are loyal to him.

"SPAIN HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BEAT ITALY"

Focusing on the Italy clash, Fabregas left no doubt about the confidence amongst the Spanish squad as they travel to the Stade de France.

"It will be very difficult because against Italy we've always had evenly matched games, but Spain have to what it takes to win," the 29-year-old concluded.

He even poked fun at incoming Chelsea coach Antonio Conte (who's currently managing the Azzurri), saying: "I hope from next Tuesday he'll [begin his reign as] Chelsea's coach."