Cesc Fabregas has told an Arsenal blog he is thankful he made the decision to join Chelsea after Arsenal failed to exercise their option to re-sign him from Barcelona in 2014.
Fabregas was a hero at Arsenal after coming through the ranks at the club and fans hated his decision to leave for Barcelona back in the day, but they hated him even more when he made the shock move to head back to the Premier League and sign with the Chelsea.
It was a massive decision to make, especially as reports suggested that Arsenal were keen to take him back, and the Spaniard explained to Arsecast how he could have gone back to the Gunners for a second spell.
‘Once I decided to leave (Barcelona), Arsenal had the first option of any other club and I could not speak to any other club for one week to see if Arsenal want me or not,’ said the midfielder on GOAL WEBSITE.
‘Arsene Wenger 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.’
Fabregas turned down offers from both Manchester club to sign for Chelsea and has no regrets about the decision after winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup with the Blues. ‘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,” added the 32-year-old.
‘Thank god that I took that decision because those five years I was very happy there, we’ve won everything in England, the best team in English football when I was there. With the fans there was a connection that was impeccable.’