Cesc Fabregas: One-Time Arsenal Fan Favorite May Now Be Hated

At the age of 16, Cesc Fabregas feared he would have limited opportunities at Barcelona FC and decided a move to Arsenal FC was the right move for him at the time.

Born and raised in Vilassar de Mar, Barcelona, Catalonia, it was difficult for Fabregas to not have a soft spot for Barcelona. 

Ever since he left Spain, Fabregas has always made it public that he would like to return to his boy hood club at some point in his career. Now what’s in question is not the loyalty the Spanish international has to his boy hood club but the lack of respect he has shown for his current club.

While it is understandable to see that Fabregas would like to return to Barcelona, there are certain ways to deal with things in life.

Over the past few seasons, every summer the rumors about Cesc returning to the Nou Camp re-surface. With those rumors come many other things such as uneasy fans as well as some upset players in the locker room. 

With the previous summers in mind, although Fabregas stated his desire to return to Barcelona, it never really appeared that the Blaugrana were really going to make a big push for his transfer.

In the back of the minds of Arsenal fans, there was always that thought of this is the same old story from last year. Well at this point, it appears that Arsenal fans can finally either be happy that the Cesc saga is done with or they will be upset with the departure of the Spaniard.

The fact that Fabregas has given a lot to Arsenal FC is very clear and well known, but many tend to forget how much a team and club can give back to a player.

At the age of 16, not many people, if any knew who Cesc Fabregas was. After his first season, he slowly began to get his chances in cup games and was finally getting a chance to show who he really was.

Over the years, Arsenal FC has given Fabregas a chance to grow as a player and as a man. The guidance and advice he received from some of the more veteran players and coaches is something he certainly will never forget.

His role at Arsenal has been fundamental not only to the team but also to his career. 

Every athlete always has goals in life, with at least one of them being to win silverware. While at Arsenal, Fabregas has only been able to enjoy two trophies’, the 2004 Community Shield and the 2004/05 FA Cup.

That certainly is not enough silverware for such a long career at a top club such as Arsenal FC.

With that thought in mind, knowing he wants to return to Barcelona, my one question is why extend your contract with Arsenal FC?

In 2006. Fabregas still had six years remaining on his contract, but after an inquiry from Real Madrid, Arsenal offered the Spaniard another five-year deal with the option of an additional three years. Fabregas promptly signed the deal, and of course with that boosted his earnings.

If Fabregas loved and respected Arsenal so much and knew he wanted to return to the Nou Camp, why would he sign that additional long-term contract? Could Fabregas be just like majority of today’s players, interested in the money?

After his constant public interviews stating how he loves Arsenal, he now has the courage to come out and say he's willing to pay his way out of the Emirates?

I will leave you with my opinion on this situation, and to be honest, Fabregas has been one of my favorite Arsenal players over the years. His vision and creativity in the center of the park at times is incredible to watch, but his lack of respect off the pitch has been heart breaking. 

When Wenger appointed Fabregas the captain of the Gunners, I imagine it was a mix of joy and uncertainty for most of the Arsenal fans. While we all know that Fabregas is an incredible player, a captain isn't only a great player.

A team captain needs to be the voice of the team. He needs to set an example for those around him on and off the field. With the departures of most of the more senior players, and William Gallas being stripped of the captaincy, we now were dependent on a young Cesc Fabregas to rally the troops?

Truth be said, Fabregas was never really a voice on the pitch with or without the captains armband. He has always been a quiet and timid player on the pitch, not very willing to get into an argument or altercation.

To make matters worse, Arsenal's squad now had to deal with a young captain who doesn’t really come across as a leader, and has made it public on a number of occasions that he wants to leave. 

After the constant injuries and constant soap opera back and fourth with Barcelona, at the end of last season I think I speak for most Arsenal fans when I say it was time to let Fabregas go.

It was time for Wenger to cash in and use that money elsewhere. Cesc was clearly unhappy at the Emirates and he was likely to force his way out, as he has done.

With a deal on the verge of being finalized with Barcelona, many Arsenal fans may breath a final sign of relief. Arsenal can finally stop this constant rumor that has haunted them for years and can now move on.

If Fabregas is to ever return to the Emirates, but this time in the visitor’s locker room, what will his reception be like? Will the Gunners fans welcome him back, knowing what he did for Arsenal in his time there, or will they show there discontent with his lack of respect?