Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas reveals Arsenal turned down the chance to re-sign him from Barcelona despite priority clause
Midfielder was offered to old side in 2014 but Arsene Wenger never made a bid, allowing Chelsea to make surprise swoop
CESC FABREGAS has revealed that Arsenal turned down the chance to re-sign him from Barcelona in 2014.
The midfielder was offered to his old side after a three-year stint at the Nou Camp failed to work out.
But Fabregas claims Arsenal never took up the chance to make an offer, with Arsene Wenger even failing to make any kind of contact with the Spain international.
Fabregas eventually made the move to London rivals Chelsea after talking with then-boss Jose Mourinho.
And despite winning two Premier League titles in three seasons at Stamford Bridge, the ace admits Arsenal will always feel like a second home.
Fabregas told Sky Sports: “Once I made the decision to leave Barca, Arsenal had the first option, and Barcelona had the obligation to contact Arsenal first.
“Then they had a week to basically respond yes or no to the buy-out clause.
“I knew Chelsea were on the side, among other clubs, but after I spoke to 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, 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 always will be.”
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