Fabregas: 'Wenger was hurt by the way I left Arsenal'

In 2003, at the age of 16, Fabregas left Barca's La Masia furnace to join Arsenal. Here, he became the captain and the idol of the fans. However, in 2011 Fabregas decided to return to Barca. There, the midfielder born in 1987 did not have the same effect, and was offered for sale by Barca in 2014. Arsenal had the right to buy it, but manager Arsene Wenger refused. So Fabregas moved to Chelsea.

"We called Arsene. He said Arsenal have a lot of players playing in my position like Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere or Aaron Ramsey," Fabregas said. "He said that in order to bring me back, he would have to get rid of someone. I think he was actually a bit hurt by the way I left."

Regarding his decision to return to Barca in 2011, Fabregas explained that he felt frustrated after years of not winning at Arsenal. The Euro 2008, 2012 and 2010 World Cup winners have only one FA Cup and one England Super Cup with the Emirates Stadium team.

Fabregas returned to Barca also because of the beautiful play and the call of the then coach Pep Guardiola. Before the transfer, Guardiola called and texted to convince his compatriot player. "He had a really big influence because he was my idol as a child," Fabregas said. "I wear the number 4 shirt because of him. I played in his position when I was at La Masia."

Fabregas won more trophies when he left Arsenal. With Barca, he has one La Liga, one King's Cup, two Spanish Super Cups, one European Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup. During the 2014-2019 period with Chelsea, Fabregas won two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and a League Cup.

Fabregas also admitted his biggest regret was not winning the Champions League with Arsenal in 2006. In the final that year, Arsenal lost 1-2 to Barca. This is also the only Champions League final that Fabregas has ever played in.

Arsenal are close to winning the first English Premier League title since 2004. The "Gunners" currently lead with 63 points from 26 games, five points ahead of Man City. When asked about the possibility of Arsenal winning the throne, Fabregas replied: "I really hope so, because I feel somewhat identified with the current group of players. I can see myself in their eyes. They They are very good, humble and hard-working young players."

Fabregas has retired from a top career after 19 years playing for Arsenal, Barca, Chelsea and Monaco. The 35-year-old midfielder currently plays for Como club in the Italian second division.