Fabregas Cesc-mates Arsenal for Barcelona again: leaves door open

Cesc Fabregas (File)

Published Sunday, October 21, 2012

By Staff

At times, Cesc Fabregas seems like he only away on loan at Barcelona and it is just a matter of time before he returns to Arsenal and the Premier League.

Missing a penalty for Spain against France in the World Cup qualifier must have hurt. But, not as much, evidently, as the decision he had to make to leave the Emirates.

Cesc Fabregas was quoted by French paper L'Equipe as saying he would have happily stayed at Arsenal for the rest of his career. And then added.

“If the return to Barcelona had not worked out.”

Depending on how you read his quotes, it is mystifying to see the extent to which Fabregas was desperate to get to Barcelona. He even took a pay cut – unheard of in modern football.

"Yes, there are teams who pay better," he said. "But it was always clear to me. Either go to Barca or stay at Arsenal. The last thing on my mind was money and I have come to Barca and I earn less."

The former Gunners captain says he loves London and Arsenal.

"It was a dream of mine to play for Barca, but I was not bitter at Arsenal," he said. "On the contrary, I was living somewhere which, for me, was the most beautiful city in the world, I was in an incredible team with a superb coach and supporters I adored.

"It was not a question of life or death. If Barca had not come in for me, I would have played my whole career at Arsenal. That was certain."

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