Cesc Fabregas, who is enjoying a strong spell with Como, recently looked back on his Chelsea days.
One of several players to have made the switch from Arsenal to Stamford Bridge, Fabregas spent five seasons with the Blues and left a lasting impression.
The Spaniard won the Premier League in his first season at Chelsea and quickly earned Jose Mourinho’s trust. He played a key role throughout his time there, staying involved right up until their second league title in 2017.
But as was the case for plenty of former Arsenal players, Fabregas once had a very different perspective on Chelsea compared to how he sees them now.
Cesc Fabregas admits he once disliked Chelsea
Arsenal and Chelsea have a unique history when it comes to player movement between the clubs. Names like Ashley Cole, Willian, and more recently Noni Madueke have made the switch, and there are plenty of others who have done the same.
During his eight seasons at Arsenal, Fabregas saw the Blues as one of their main rivals. It was not until later in his career that he came to view them differently.
As he told CBS Sports Kickin’ It: “Yes, I disliked Chelsea very much. I always said it and all the fans they know.”
But that view did not last long once he made the move. Fabregas now holds the club in high regard.
He explained: “After I said it was one of the best decisions I took in my career because the way I was treated there, how many trophies we won, five trophies in four and a half years.
“The fans were outstanding with me. Outstanding. I couldn’t be more grateful. We had a great feeling connection straight away.”
Fabregas enjoyed an incredibly successful spell at Stamford Bridge. While he was already well established from his time at Arsenal and Barcelona, it was at Chelsea where he truly cemented his status as a Premier League icon.
Return to England could be on the cards for Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas is making a name for himself in management now after stepping into the role at Como in Serie A.
The same qualities that made him so effective in midfield have clearly carried over into his coaching career.
He has taken over Como during their rise through Serie B to Serie A before leading them to their highest finish since 1987 in his first full season in charge.
The 38-year-old is being tipped as one of football’s next standout managers, and it would not be surprising to see him linked with big roles back in England before long.
Fabregas has spoken positively about Chelsea’s direction under their new ownership. It would not be out of the question to see him return to Stamford Bridge one day.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
