Arsene Wenger reveals why Arsenal sold Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona

Cesc Fabregas Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has insisted that it was “completely logical” for the club to sell Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona in 2011, telling Eurosport that he fought to keep the Spaniard but knew deep down that he should let him leave.

“Fabregas said he was very sad when he left Arsenal, and he is not the only one!” said Wenger.

“I fought with him to keep him but, deep down, I obviously knew.

“He was raised in Barcelona; his grandfather worked for Barca; he went to all the FCB football classes; they had the best team in the world.

“I surrendered to his will of playing for them, and I think it was completely logical.

Wenger continued on the subject of his relationship with the Barca midfielder, admitting that he admires the courage shown to leave his hometown club at 16.

“We had a respectful relationship. And, for me, admiration too. He left Barcelona at 16 and came here with his mother. He said, ‘Barcelona won’t trust me, and I’m coming here because I know that you will trust me.’

“The personality he showed back then, sometimes I wonder where he found it. This strength to leave such a club to come and play for us. I have a huge respect for that.”

Fabregas has created 49 chances in La Liga this season – more than any other Barca player aside from Lionel Messi.