Cesc Fabregas has finally joined Barcelona. The midfielder passed a physical and was presented to the media Monday after negotiations produced a deal that could be worth $57million — according to reports — if unspecified incentives are met. In departing Arsenal, Fabregas expressed his great admiration for the club and coach Arsene Wenger.
“Ispoke to [Wenger] on Friday to say goodbye and got very emotional because he has been like a father figure,” Fabregas said. “I couldn’t even talk when I wanted to say how grateful I was for what hehas done to me, so I had to send a message afterwards saying thanks for everything.”
He admitted the team’s failure to win a major trophy for the past six seasons weighed into his decision.Since lifting the 2005 FA Cup, Arsenal has been shut out despite coming close in the European Champions’ League and Premier League several times.
“I gave everything for Arsenal but itdidn’t show in the [trophy] cabinet because I only won one FA Cup,” said Fabregas. “That is the biggest regret I will have in my career – not to be able to lift a trophy as Arsenal captain.”