Chelsea v Everton - Premier League - Source: Getty
Chelsea v Everton - Premier League - Source: Getty
Former Chelsea and Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has opened up on his wish to have started his career in West London, rather than in the North. The Spaniard enjoyed a hugely successful playing career that saw him represent both London clubs, as well as Barcelona and AS Monaco before he retired.
Fabregas spoke to ESPN UK about his time in England, reminiscing about his stint at Stamford Bridge, in particular. He stated that while he meant no disrespect to the Gunners, he wished things had been different and he started his career with the Blues because of trophies. He expressed his desire to one day coach one of the teams.
"It was very emotional for me. While I was playing for Arsenal, I saw Chelsea as a rival. In fact, I never would've thought I’d become a Chelsea player one day.
But crying after my last game for Chelsea was something I couldn’t control. It was a very emotional moment. Despite joining from a rival club, the fans showed me love beyond imagination. I was so loved at Chelsea that I started wishing I had started my career there.
Chelsea gave me what was difficult for me to get at Arsenal. No disrespect to Arsenal, I love them too, because that’s where Chelsea noticed me. I’m happy I was able to win trophies with Chelsea, not just play for them.
Hopefully, one day I’ll be a coach at one of those two clubs. It’s a dream for me", he said.
Cesc Fabregas left Barcelona's famed La Masia academy to join Arsenal aged just 16 in 2003 and quickly gained prominence under Arsene Wenger. The Spaniard became the captain of the club before returning to boyhood club Barcelona in 2011.
Fabregas remained in Spain for three years before Jose Mourinho lured him to Stamford Bridge, where he formed a devastating connection with Diego Costa. He won two Premier League titles, the UEFA Europa League, the League Cup, and FA Cup before leaving Stamford Bridge in tears in January 2019.
The Spaniard is in charge of Serie A high-flyers Como, having led them from the second division in 2024. He was linked with a move to Inter Milan last summer, and is highly-rated for his work with Como.
Arsenal, Chelsea battling over England U-19 star: Reports
Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea are among a host of clubs battling over the signature of Fulham youngster Samuel Amissah, as per reports. The defender is expected to make the biggest move by a youth player in the Premier League this summer.
The Telegraph reports that both clubs have joined Manchester United in their pursuit of Amissah after learning that the 18-year-old wishes to move. He has three months left on his deal at Craven Cottage, and is attracting attention from all over Europe.
Amissah has yet to debut professionally but has appeared on the Fulham bench seven times this season. The youngster is capable of playing at centre-back, full-back, or defensive midfield, and will move for a small compensation fee this summer, as things stand.