Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he feels "sad" when Chelsea manager Antonio Conte keeps him out of the team.

The midfielder has had a bit-part role to play this season having made just 16 appearances in all competitions.

Conte has only handed Fabregas a starting spot in the Premier League on five occasions, while other outings have come from the bench.

The Spaniard has impressed when he has played, though, by scoring once and providing six assists in the top flight.

During Sunday's 2-0 win over Hull City, Fabregas made Gary Cahill's goal with a free kick, and the 29-year-old is hopeful that his contributions are being noticed by the manager. He told Chelsea's official website:

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"I play football to win and enjoy. When I don’t play I’m sad and I don’t enjoy it but I’m happy the team is doing well. Football is my life, it’s everything to me. Every time I’m on the pitch I try to do my best. In this game it went well again so I just need to keep going and show the manager I deserve to play.

After the former Arsenal star joined Chelsea from Barcelona in 2014, he became a first-team regular, helping the Blues to the league title.

He was also a crucial part of the cog last season, making more appearances than any other midfielder in the squad.

It is clear that in this campaign he still has work to do to convince Conte.

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