Cesc Fabregas pleads with Arsenal fans to forgive him for moving to Chelsea

Posted Tuesday, September 09, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

Cesc Fabregas last night urged Arsenal fans to forgive him for joining Chelsea - insisting he could not pass up the chance to return to London.

Cesc Fabregas pleads with Arsenal fans to forgive him for moving to Chelsea
FORGIVE ME! Fabregas hopes Arsenal fans understand his decision to move to Chelsea

The Spain midfielder said he felt like a dyed-in-the-wool Cockney after spending eight years with the Gunners.

Fabregas captained Arsene Wenger's side before leaving to rejoin hometown club Barcelona in 2011. Blues boss Jose Mourinho signed him for £28million this summer, and he has since helped the Blues top the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has now got in his apologies ahead of Arsenal's highly-charged visit to Stamford Bridge on October 5.

"Going back to London is like returning home for me," Fabregas said. "I lived there for eight years, and I identify myself more with London than any other city.

"I have gone back there to work, to win trophies and to enjoy myself. The only thing I needed to get used to was Chelsea's squad, and that was very easy as we have a good group of players.

"I feel very much at home. I don't just feel British - I feel like a true Londoner.

Cesc Fabregas pleads with Arsenal fans to forgive him for moving to Chelsea "I told Barcelona that I had decided to leave a week after they had missed out on the La Liga title. I called them from London during the free week before I went to the World Cup finals.

"I told my agent I was looking for a new team. The offer from Chelsea came in, and for me there couldn't have been a better exit than returning to London - the place where I have done best in my career.

"I spoke with Jose Mourinho and he told me what I needed to hear. I felt valued by him, and sensed that I was going to be a key part of something important.

"I will always have the feeling of being a Gunner. I know when I go back to play at the Emirates it will be a special moment.

"But I am a committed guy. I remember playing for Arsenal against Barcelona in a Champions League final, and swearing that I'd do anything to win that game - despite having been with Barca since I was a kid.

"So when the Arsenal game comes around I will know who I'm playing for, who my teammates are and who I have to defend against.

"I know that the Arsenal fans will understand me. I have no doubts.

"If someone had told me five years ago that I'd be playing for Chelsea under Mourinho I wouldn't have believed them. But life is full of twists and turns.

"I left behind sentiments, family, friends and teammates when I left Barcelona - but I felt that I had to go.

"I won six trophies with them in three seasons, and I am very proud. It had always been my dream to play for them.

"I did not think it would last such a short time - but that is life."

Fabregas also acclaimed his Spain and Chelsea teammate Diego Costa, who has begun his Blues career in spectacular fashion with four goals in his first three games.

"Spain is very fortunate to have a striker like Diego," he insisted. "He is really good, and we'll see him scoring lots of goals."