Former midfielder Cesc Fabregas has revealed the story behind his decision to join Chelsea, saying it was the right choice, despite being branded a traitor by fans of his former club Arsenal.
Cesc, who is currently the coach of Como, began his career with the Gunners, making his way into the first team in 2003. In 2011, he moved back to his former youth team, Barcelona. However, his inconsistent playing time led him to move to the Blues again in 2014.
Speaking to The Rest Is Football podcast with Gary Lineker, Ches revealed the story: “I just felt it was time to move on (from Barcelona) and maybe more importantly to another club. We had a week between the season and the World Cup. I went to London, had a break and thought about what I was going to do next.”
“I’ve made the decision that I wanted to move. I called them and told them my decision. Before the World Cup, I spoke to three clubs, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, at my agent Darren Dane’s house.”
“I had a phone conversation with David Moyes (then Manchester United manager), then I had a meeting with Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City sporting director) and then I had a meeting with Jose Mourinho (then Chelsea manager). The conversations, the analysis, you really get to know who is who and what they want from you.”
Despite doubts over a move to Chelsea, Mourinho successfully convinced Cesc and made him feel it was the only club he had to join.
“He convinced me, he brought me to Chelsea. I had doubts because I was at Arsenal, can I be the same player and be happy again?”
“He made me feel like there was nowhere else, it was Chelsea or only Chelsea, Manchester City have a great project and are doing amazing things. Even with David Silva I have a good relationship.”
Asked if he was concerned about a move to Chelsea given his good relationship with Arsenal, Cesc said: “Of course, at the moment I know สมัคร ufabet it doesn’t make sense but Arsenal will always be one of the best things that has happened in my life and my career. If I wasn’t an Arsenal player, none of this would have happened.”
“I’m 27. If I was 32, I wouldn’t be thinking about it. But when you’re 27, you’re still in the prime of your career. I feel strong and motivated to take on this new challenge in my career. That’s what Jose did for me, I felt I could stay at Chelsea.”
“Luckily I made the right decision. In the five years I was there we won everything except the Champions League. It was definitely the right decision.”
For Cesc, he never won the Premier League title in his eight years at Arsenal. But with Chelsea he won two, as well as the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.