Cesc Fabregas reveals why he chose Chelsea transfer, snubbing Man Utd in 2014 and tells all about failed Arsenal return
CESC FABREGAS has revealed why he chose to move to Chelsea in 2014 - snubbing Manchester United - and spoken out about why he never returned to Arsenal.
The Spain legend, 32, returned to England after three years at Barcelona with a host of suitors - but not his old team, apparently.
The Gunners blew their chance to bring him home - despite having first reserve on him thanks to a clause in his Barca transfer.
Fabregas told Arsecast: "Once I decide to leave [Barcelona], Arsenal had the first option of any other club.
"I cannot speak to any other club for one week to see if Arsenal want me or not.
"Arsene didn’t give an answer, we just had to wait one full week to see if they responded.
"Definitely this was my first option, in my mind I’m telling everyone I’m going to Arsenal - this is what I want.
"Arsene can see this. I didn’t want to be a beggar, they know the situation, in one week they haven’t said anything.
"Straight away I knew they probably didn’t want me back. They waited the full week without giving me a response."
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Fabregas went on to say one meeting with Jose Mourinho was all he needed to decide Chelsea was the place for him.
The two-time Premier League champion continued: "After the week I had to take my chance.
"I had Manchester City, United and then I spoke to Mourinho - which I didn’t think would ever happen.
"To be honest, after I left the room with Mourinho I said 'that’s it, I don’t need to talk to anyone else, I’m going to Chelsea.'
"What he told me, the team he wanted to make, what he thought of me, how he wanted me to play, this is what I wanted.
"On top of that it’s London not Manchester, London was my home."
Fabregas at Chelsea vs at Arsenal
ARSENAL (2003-2011)
FA Cup: 2004–05
FA Community Shield: 2004
CHELSEA (2014-2019)
Premier League: 2014–15, 2016–17
FA Cup: 2017–18
League Cup: 2014–15
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Fabregas finished by saying he knew his move to Chelsea wouldn't go down well with Arsenal fans - but he didn't want to be anywhere but the Premier League.
He said: "I knew this would have repercussions with Arsenal, it would have been the same with City or United but I wanted to go back to the Premier League.
"Thank god that I took that decision because those five years I was very happy there, we’ve won everything in England, the most winning team in English football when I’ve been there.
"With the fans there was a connection that was impeccable."