Fabregas: A Sour Love Story

The first game of the season between London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal was not going to be about the rivalry between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho, but about Arsenal's once-beloved son  a Prince after 'the king' Thierry Henry. With Arsenal's reluctance to bring Cesc Fabregas back to the club despite the knowledge that he was leaving Barcelona after three years of mixed performances, and his subsequent departure of arch-rivals Chelsea; every Arsenal fan have more or less envisaged an emotional reunion with their once beloved Fabregas.

Modern football has being sacked of loyalty to a particular club especially when a footballer is not playing in his country of birth. Fans outlive players even though they expect their adored players to sink into the ethos and love for their clubs. Many forget footballers are paid employees, except if they are playing for free maybe then we fully realize if their love and kiss of badge are for real.

For Arsenal, Fabregas had represented much more. He was the first high profile teenage star in the budding academy  Wenger was creating. Since making his debut 11 years ago this month, he took over the esteemed no. 4 jersey from Patrick Vieira. The playing philosophy changed to allow him flourish between the midfield and attack. Every pass and goal was orchestrated from him. He was the engine room, but he was a Mercedes engine in a Opel bodied car. The team was built around him, he was the soul and captain, but that was lost with the trophyless years of Wenger.

Despite forcing his way to Barcelona three years ago, Cesc was still continuously adored. He promised to be back to Arsenal using every opportunity to proffer his love for Arsenal and London, guess he was talking about the other side of London. With his departure to Barcelona, Arsenal fans had no choice as he was going back to his home, but to Chelsea, it is shocking, disappointing and confusing.

For a player at just 27 years old and has had an already illustrious career beaming with trophies with Spain national team and Barcelona, and to a golden team in the making in Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. Arsenal and Arsene Wenger goofed for refusing to take him back. The development of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere including the costly acquistion of Mesut Ozil may have forced the club's hands off the deal with Cesc. Looking back on his near perfect return to London dominating the entire Premier League with 7 assists and a goal, it's perfect fit that he turned to Chelsea. Cesc is playing a more matured, tailored game with Chelsea. 

Emirates Stadium could have home away from home (Barcelona) for Cesc, but he has a new home even though he will never be loved by Chelsea. The club has moved on by taking Cesc's banner off the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal fans should take him off their mind. We can be as rational we want, but much emotions are being associated to football. Cesc Fabregas left to win trophies and he came back to England to win trophies, not to be emotional about coming back home even though Arsenal forfeited the option to have him back. Not all players will be like Xabi Alonzo who refused to return to the Premier League not to smear his image as a legend with Liverpool. Cesc Fabregas will be in same class as Luis Figo and Rafa Benitez as classy players and coach who will never be loved by any club and have satisfaction in winning trophies.

If any Arsenal fan was thinking of having a stature of a legend in Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates alongside Henry and Adams be rest assured it won't be there, neither will it be in Nou Camp or Stamford Bridge, but will be in his trophy room. He will never be loved or be an idol at any of the clubs.