Francesc Fabregas began his career at Barcelona but was signed by Arsenal in 2003. Due to injuries and suspensions he was used as a starting midfielder in 2004/5 despite his young age and quickly earned a reputation as one of the most talented players of his generation. Due to his club form he was called into the Spanish squad in 2006 and played in the World Cup of that year. Fabregas was named Arsenal captain 14 matches into the 2008/9 season, however his campaign was severely disrupted when he was injured for four months. The following season he scored 20 goals altogether for the club before finding the net on nine occasions the next campaign, but that was to be his last full season at the Emirates Stadium. On Monday August 15 2011, after years of courting, Barcelona finally landed the midfielder, signing Fabregas on a five-year contract in a deal worth a potential £35m to Arsenal.
Fabregas knows he has a fight on his hands for first-team opportunities at Barcelona but insists he had to leave Arsenal because he had "stagnated"... more
Barcelona midfielder Xavi claimed last week that Arsenal captain had recently told him he has been "suffering" because of his desire to rejoin the Catalan club... more
Swiss defender insists the Arsenal squad cannot concern themselves with whether or not Cesc Fabregas will still be around to lead the club next season... more
Gunners captain admits he has been frustrated at repeated failure to win a trophy but believes the club have the resources to end their barren run... more
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani admits it is virtually impossible that Arsenal captain will be playing for the Italian champions in the future... more
The Gunners have built a reputation as a hugely attractive passing side, but once again it appears as though they will not be able to translate that into silverware... more
Sight of captain holding court in the Nou Camp before a throng of Spanish journalists hanging off every Catalan word could be unnerving for Arsenal supporters... more
Arsenal skipper limped out of the victory against Stoke when he felt discomfort in his hamstring and was joined on the sidelines by team-mate Theo Walcott... more
Exclusive: After high-profile allegations this season, Charlton's manager is pleased the issue is now being addressed but says the authorities still have plenty of work to do
Morning:
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