Chelsea news: Arsenal had one week to sign me but never called - Cesc Fabregas

CESC FABREGAS has revealed Arsenal had one week to sign him but failed to get in touch.

Fabregas shows off incredible speed during training session

Fabregas spent eight years at Arsenal, becoming the captain in November 2008 and developing a father-son relationship with Arsene Wenger.

But he pushed for a move to Barcelona in 2011 which angered the Gunners and Wenger.

When Barcelona decided to sell Fabregas in 2014, Arsenal were among the names linked with the Spaniard but he was convinced to join Chelsea by then manager Jose Mourinho.

Ahead of Chelsea’s meeting with Arsenal this afternoon, Fabregas has revealed his former club had the first option to sign him but they did not trigger the clause, allowing the Blues to swoop in.

When asked if Arsenal were like an "old girlfriend”, Fabregas told Sky Sports: "I wouldn't call it that. It's much more than that, because sometimes an old girlfriend you lose connection with, you don't feel anything for after years.

"I feel very attached, even now, to Arsenal. My feelings for the club, well I don't have to repeat myself, every single time we play against them because it's known. 

“Whoever doesn't believe me, or doesn't feel it is this way, is not right. I know how I feel, my family does, and that's all that matters to me.

Cesc FabregasGETTY

Cesc Fabregas has revealed Arsenal turned down the chance to sign him

"Once I made the decision to leave Barcelona, Arsenal had the first option, and Barcelona had the obligation to contact Arsenal first. Then they had a week to basically respond yes or no to the buy-out clause.

"I knew Chelsea were on the side, among other clubs, but after I spoke to [Jose] Mourinho in the meantime he convinced me that it was a great place to come. The week passed, Arsenal never responded, never contacted me either, so I took it as them having enough players in their squad, so I made my move to Chelsea.

"Because I felt they wanted me the most, Jose spoke to me in a way that not many have spoken to me before, and I knew what he wanted from me. He motivated me so much in that meeting that my choice was very easy.

"I love Arsene, the man. I love him of course as a coach too. This is a decision he made. I always said that he's like a father to me, and he will always be."

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