Cesc Fabregas reveals why he left Arsenal in 2011

The Premier League has been graced by a number of incredible Spaniards over the year – from David Silva to De Gea.

Cesc Fabregas was as good as any of them.

During his first stint in English football, the midfielder cemented himself as one of the finest and most technically gifted operators in world football.

In an in-depth interview with Arseblog, the 32-year-old spoke honestly about his time at the club and what factors led to him leaving for Barcelona in 2011.

“I was the captain, I always felt so much pressure on myself,” Fabregas said. “I had to lead this team to win something. I gave everything. Sometimes, I used to go home after we lost and I used to cry.

“I used to suffer, I used to spend sleepless nights suffering. And then you lose a game, you’re in the bus like this, destroyed, and then you hear some players laughing, thinking about where they will be going out later.

“This was going on for a few years. We were playing beautiful football and I enjoyed that side of things but I was putting pressure on myself to lead, to do everything and at one point I felt kind of lonely.”

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Fabregas went on to discuss how a lack of recruitment had played into his decision.

“Especially in the last two or three years, I felt Robin and Samir were the only players – it’s not an arrogant thing to say, it’s how I felt at that time – were the players who were at my level mentally and technically.

“Many things came in my head, I have to admit I was a bit empty, I was drained mentally, physically, in my soul knowing I’m giving everything, knowing a few signings the club could have made but didn’t happen.

“Seeing some behaviours from certain players or something like this made me feel I wanted to check something else. If it was not because of that, I would not have left Arsenal at that time.”

Arsenal’s unwillingness to spend big in the transfer market and lack of silverware also led to Robin Van Persie joining rivals Manchester United. Now rumours are beginning to circulate that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may part ways with the club this summer citing the same reasons.

Featured image credit: Getty