Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas: 'Arsenal didn't want me to rejoin'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 18 September 2017

Cesc Fabregas hints that rejoining Arsenal in 2014 was his priority when leaving Barcelona, but then-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho showed more interest.

Cesc Fabregas has revealed that he opted for a move to Chelsea over Arsenal as his former club did not show a serious interest in re-signing him.

The 30-year-old had a choice of clubs when leaving Barcelona for a second time in 2014, eventually penning a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge where he has gone on to be a major hit.

Fabregas admits that things could have turned out differently had Arsenal shown more intent to sign him during that summer's transfer window, however, with the Gunners essentially passing up the chance to land the fans' favourite.

"Once I made the decision to leave Barca, Arsenal had the first option, and Barcelona had the obligation to contact Arsenal first," he told Sky Sports News. "I knew Chelsea were on the side, among other clubs, but after I spoke to [Jose] Mourinho in the meantime he convinced me that it was a great place to come.

"The week passed, Arsenal never responded, never contacted me either, so I took it as them having enough players in their squad, so I made my move to Chelsea.

"I feel very attached, even now, to Arsenal. My feelings for the club, well I don't have to repeat myself, every single time we play against them, because it's known. Whoever doesn't believe me, or doesn't feel it is this way, is not right.

"I know how I feel, my family does, and that's all that matters to me. I love Arsene [Wenger], the man. I love him of course as a coach too. This is a decision he made. I always said that he's like a father to me, and he will always be."

Spain international Fabregas has won two Premier League titles with Chelsea, as well as the EFL Cup in 2015.