Cesc Fabregas has revealed how a conversation with Jose Mourinho convinced him to turn down interest from Manchester United in 2014.
Mourinho was in charge of Chelsea at the time, with David Moyes in the hotseat at Old Trafford after replacing Sir Alex Ferguson.
Having played for Arsenal during his first stint in England, Fabregas’ move to Chelsea was deemed controversial, but it was a success given he eventually won the Premier League. Not just one title but two in his four years at Stamford Bridge.
Fabregas eventually left Chelsea for AS Monaco after winning the FA Cup, the League Cup and Europa League with the Blues.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Fabregas insisted he had no regrets about joining Chelsea over United and City.
“I just felt it was time to move on [from Barcelona] and maybe be more important somewhere else,” Fabregas told Gary Lineker.
“We had that week between the season and the World Cup. I went to London, rested and thought a little bit about what I wanted to do.
“I had made my decision already, I wanted to leave.
“I called them and told them my decision. Before going to the World Cup, I sat down the same day with the three clubs: Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea. It was at the house of my agent, Darren Dein.
“I spoke to [then United manager] David Moyes on the phone, then after I met [Manchester City director] Txiki Begiristain and straight after I met [then Chelsea boss] Jose Mourinho.
“By talking, analysing, you also get perceptions about who is who and what they want from you.”
Fabregas had his doubts about moving to Chelsea, but Mourinho was able to convince the midfield to move to Stamford Bridge.
He added: “He convinced me, he brought me to Chelsea. I had doubts due to my time at Arsenal, could I be the same player and be happy again?
“He made me feel there was no other way. It was Chelsea or Chelsea.
“Manchester City had a great project and were doing amazing things. Even with [David] Silva I had a great connection.”
The former Spain international went on to explain he had concerns about signing for one of Arsenal’s fiercest rivals.
“Of course. I know now it means nothing, but Arsenal will always be one of the best things that happened in my life and my career. If I wasn’t a player with Arsenal then none of this would have happened.
“I was 27. If I was 32 then I wouldn’t think about it. But at 27 you are still at the peak of your career.
“I felt strong and motivated to take on another challenge in my career. That is what Jose made me realise I could be at Chelsea.
“Fortunately I was right, in my five years there we won everything except the Champions League. It was the right call definitely.”
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