Cesc Fabregas, who started his professional career at Arsenal, joined Chelsea from Barcelona in 2014 (Picture: Getty)

Cesc Fabregas has opened up on his move to Chelsea from Barcelona in 2014 and says Arsenal passed up on the opportunity to resign him.

The Spain midfielder spent eight years with the Gunners, becoming a firm fans’ favourite before leaving for Barca in the summer of 2011.

Three years later Fabregas returned to the Premier League, signing a five-year contract with Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea.

It has previously been claimed that the 30-year-old snubbed the chance to rejoin Arsenal but Fabregas says Arsene Wenger passed up on the opportunity.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday, he told Sky Sports: ‘Once I made the decision to leave Barca, Arsenal had the first option, and Barcelona had the obligation to contact Arsenal first.

(Picture: Getty)

‘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.’

Fabregas also reiterated his affection for former club Arsenal and in particular manager Arsene Wenger.

(Picture: Getty)

‘I feel very attached, even now, to Arsenal,’ he added.

‘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.

‘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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