Why Arsene Wenger Rejected Re-Signing Me — Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas has revealed that former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger rejected the offer to see him return to the Emirates because the Frenchman was 'hurt' by his initial departure.

Fabregas rejoined Barcelona in 2011 having left the Spanish giants at the age of 16 to join the Gunners where he played for eight stellar seasons, won the FA Cup and reached the Champions League final.

The Spaniard however spent three seasons at Barcelona, claiming the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey before seeking a Premier League comeback in 2014.

In his bid to return to England, the 35-year-old contacted Arsenal to agree on a deal before any other club but got turned down by Wenger which prompted him to join Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

Speaking on Kammy and Ben's Proper Football Podcast, he said: "I really wanted to go back to the Premier League.

"In the contract when I signed for Barcelona we said that, after I leave, Arsenal will have the first option. They had a week to respond.

"So obviously we approached Arsenal, we said 'listen I'm leaving Barcelona and by law, you have a week to decide if you want to take me back or not.'

"For a week I couldn't talk to anyone (else). 

"We notified Arsenal, Arsene, everyone, so after a week we called Arsene and he said he'd thought about it and he said they already had a lot of players in my position like Mesut Ozil, Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and he said to fit me in he would have to play someone out [of position]."

Fabregas continued: "I think also he was a little bit hurt… by how I left and everything.

"I don't hold anything bad because it's their right, their decision and they could do what they wanted.

"I had a few options and one of them was Chelsea. 

"I spoke to Mourinho, I met him. He told me things that were very nice to hear. 

"He wanted me to be the leader of that team. It just felt right."

At Chelsea, Fabregas went on to win the Premier League and League Cup in his first season.

He then claimed another league title in 2017 and the FA Cup in 2018.

The former Arsenal midfielder is currently playing for Serie B side Como where he is also a part-owner.