Arsène Wenger: Cesc Fàbregas wanted to rejoin Arsenal before Chelsea move

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/03/arsene-wenger-cesc-fabregas-arsenal-chelsea

Version 0 of 1.

Arsène Wenger has claimed Cesc Fàbregas wanted to return to Arsenal before agreeing a move to Chelsea, although insisted there was no animosity towards the midfielder and that he is “a player I love”.

Fàbregas faces his former club on Sunday when Arsenal play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, having made an impressive start to his career under José Mourinho after his move from Barcelona in the summer.

Wenger believes the deal between Chelsea and the Spaniard was agreed in early 2014 and that Arsenal decided not to buy him because they already had numerous options in midfield.

Asked if Fàbregas wanted to return to Arsenal, Wenger said: “Certainly, yes. I don’t want to make a big story of that because you have to accept that. I personally believe that deal was done a long time ago, early 2014, and all the other speculation is just made up.

“I didn’t speak to him directly. I was informed that he might go to Chelsea. Everybody has the freedom to go where he wants. When he left [for Barcelona] we bought [Mesut] Özil. We were not in need of offensive players.

“Cesc Fàbregas, when he looks back at his career, he will find that Arsenal and myself had a very positive influence on his career. I have no personal animosity against Fàbregas. He is a person I love and a player I love. [He deserves a] respectful welcome. Everybody respects Cesc here and I want him to get the welcome he deserves.”

Arsenal return to Chelsea for the first time since their 6-0 drubbing last season, when Wenger’s 1000th game descended into a “nightmare”. He added: “It was not a bad day, it was a horrendous day. We never forget that day and we have an opportunity to put it right.”