“There’s no other answer” - Ex-Barcelona and Arsenal legend Fabregas names his favorite moment as a player
Cesc Fabregas has admitted that winning the FIFA World Cup trumped any accomplishments with Barcelona and Arsenal. The legendary former midfielder was part of a Spanish side that triumphed in South Africa.
The Spaniard spoke to BBC Sport and was asked what the highlight of his playing career was. He emphasized the magnitude of World Cup glory:
"Probably for everyone it’s the same, once you’re lucky enough to win the World Cup for your country, there’s no bigger achievement collectively or individually. There’s no other answer, that’s my favorite moment as a footballer.
Fabregas wasn't a regular starter at the 2010 World Cup but made an impact from the bench. That much was true when he assisted former Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta for the winner in the final. They beat the Netherlands 1-0 over 120 minutes at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
The former Arsenal star became a Premier League icon during his time at the Emirates and with Chelsea. He made 303 appearances for the Gunners and won the FA Cup in 2005.
Fabregas also played for Barcelona's 2013 La Liga title-winning side. He ended his career in July 2023 after winning two European Championships with Spain and two Premier League titles with Chelsea, among other honors.
Cesc Fabregas didn't return to Arsenal from Barcelona because Arsene Wenger wanted to send a message
Fabregas left Arsenal in August 2011 when he rejoined Barcelona in a €34 million deal. The former 110-cap Spain international left the Emirates with fans upset but understanding his desire to return to his boyhood club.
The current Como assistant manager spent three years at Camp Nou but couldn't consistently forge his way into the starting XI. He was on the transfer list in the summer of 2014, and many expected him to return to Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger was still in charge of the Gunners, but the French coach opted against reuniting with the Spanish playmaker. He instead joined London rivals Chelsea, where he became a Stamford Bridge hero.
Wenger explained why he snubbed the chance to re-sign Fabregas while on The Ornstein and Chapman podcast in 2020:
"It was a general guidance from me to have that, to make the players [realises] 'Look if you go out here, you don't come back'."
Fabregas prioritized rejoining the north Londoners, but Wenger's stance meant he had to consider going elsewhere. His move to the Blues received backlash from fans because of the rivalry between the two London giants. He made 198 appearances at Stamford Bridge.