Cesc Fabregas is widely regarded as one of the best playmakers in the Premier League, having played for Arsenal and Chelsea.
He debuted at 16 for Arsenal in 2003 and rose to become the captain for Arsenal in 2008 at 21. Fabregas went on to make over 300 appearances for the Gunner before moving to home club Barcelona in 2011 for €34 million.
After three seasons with the Spanish Giant, the Spaniard moved to the Premier League but this time signed for Arsenals London rivals Chelsea for €33 million after interest from Manchester City and Manchester United.
Arsenal fans considered his controversial transfer to Chelsea a betrayal because of his legendary status. He was booed on his return to the Emirates in 2015.
After failing to win the Premier League with Arsenal, he wanted to win two Premier Leagues with Chelsea during his four-and-a-half years at the club. In an interview with Gary Lineker, he claims he has no regrets signing for Chelsea in 2014 despite his previous ties with Arsenal.
What did Cesc Fabregas say was the reason he joined Chelsea in 2014?
The Premier League told The Rest Is Football podcast: “I just felt it was time to move on [from Barcelona] and maybe be more important somewhere else.
“We had that week between the season and the World Cup. I went to London, rested and thought a little bit about what I wanted to do.
“I had made my decision already, I wanted to leave.
“I called them and told them my decision. Before going to the World Cup, I sat down the same day with the three clubs: Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea. It was at the house of my agent, Darren Dein.
“I spoke to [then United manager] David Moyes on the phone, then after I met [Manchester City director] Txiki Begiristain and straight after I met [then Chelsea boss] Jose Mourinho.
“By talking, analysing, you also get perceptions about who is who and what they want from you.
“He convinced me, he brought me to Chelsea. I had doubts due to my time at Arsenal, could I be the same player and be happy again?
“He made me feel there was no other way. It was Chelsea or Chelsea.
“Manchester City had a great project and were doing amazing things. Even with [David] Silva I had a great connection.”
When Gary Lineker asked the Spaniard if he had concerns about joining Chelsea due to his legendary status at Arsenal, the Spaniard replied, “Of course.
“I know now it means nothing, but Arsenal will always be one of the best things that happened in my life and my career. If I wasn’t a player with Arsenal then none of this would have happened.
“I was 27. If I was 32 then I wouldn’t think about it. But at 27 you are still at the peak of your career.
“I felt strong and motivated to take on another challenge in my career. That is what Jose made me realise I could be at Chelsea.
“Fortunately I was right, in my five years there we won everything except the Champions League. It was the right call definitely.”
