The Gunners had first refusal on their former captain when he left Camp Nou, however Arsene Wenger opted in opposition to taking up that option.
Cesc Fabregas claims Arsene Wenger passed up the chance to take him again to Arsenal in 2014, with the Gunners deciding not to take up an option of first refusal as soon as the exit door opened at Barcelona.
Having emerged out of the academy system in north London to make more than 300 appearances and grow to be Gunners captain, a Spanish midfielder was once held in high regard at Emirates Stadium.
Fabregas had only moved on once a dream switch back to his Catalan roots at Camp Nou became a opportunity in 2011.
When that adventure was over, the World Cup winner admits he was once looking ahead to to be snapped up by Arsenal.
Wenger, though, had different thoughts and Fabregas ended up returning to English soccer at Chelsea – with offers from Manchester opponents United and City passed up.
Explaining to Arsecast why he did not end up on the books of Arsenal for a second spell, Fabregas said: “Once I decided to depart (Barcelona), Arsenal had the first alternative of any other club and I should not speak to any different club for one week to see if Arsenal want me or not.
“Arsene didn’t give an answer, we simply had to wait one full week to see if they responded. Definitely this was my first option, in my idea I’m telling everyone I’m going to Arsenal – this is what I want.
“Arsene can see this. I didn’t prefer to be a beggar, they know the situation, in one week they haven’t stated anything, straight away I knew they in all likelihood didn’t want me back. They waited the full week without giving me a response.
“After the week I had to take my chance, I had Manchester City , United and then I spoke to [Jose] Mourinho – which I didn’t suppose would ever happen.
“To be honest, after I left the toom with Mourinho I said ‘that’s it, I don’t want to talk to anyone else, I’m going to Chelsea’.
“What he informed 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’ choice to play in blueIin London instead of red did not go down properly with some, however he has no regrets at having moved to Stamford Bridge and enhanced his medal collection with Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup triumphs.
“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, who is now on the books at Monaco.
“Thank god that I took that choice due to the fact these 5 years I was very happy there, we’ve won the whole thing in England, the excellent team in English soccer when I was there. With the fans there was a connection that was impeccable.”
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