Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has hinted at a possible return to his former club Arsenal next season, four years after he left the Gunners by joining their bitter London rivals.
The Spanish made his name in the top-flight, scoring his debut goal in the Carling Cup as a 16-year-old, but then left Arsenal to join Barcelona in the summer of 2011.
But things turned sour for Fabregas in 2014, and after Arsenal failed to take up a buy-back option on the Spanish World Cup winner, he ended up moving to Stamford Bridge to sign for Chelsea.
However, he’s out of contract at the end of the season, and on the possibility of rejoining the Gunners, he said via Spanish newspaper Marca:
“In seven months my contract ends with Chelsea.
“It will be 16 seasons playing at the highest level, over 750 games, a lot of training, travelling.
“I feel young and strong but maybe I can’t do 60 games a season. With my style I think I can keep playing for longer and obviously I want to keep playing for many years.
“Arsenal will always be in my heart and I will never forget them so why not return. You never know.”
Perhaps surprisingly, there appears to be plenty of Arsenal supporters who would be willing to let bygones be bygones and welcome Fabregas back to North London:
Cesc fabregas ffs. Even tho he isn't as good now I'd STILL take him back. Him plus cash and I'd be buzzing man ? even if he doesn't stay fit or play good I just need him back man ♥ https://t.co/0JnnY9Zmt7
— AB (@redandwhiteadil) October 1, 2018
I for one would take him back. Let Ramsey and Elneny leave. Make space for a Winger and Fabregas…. https://t.co/YBMYGoVsAm
— Ankit Singh (@RP07Forever) October 27, 2018
I've no beef with Fabregas, I'd take him back.. https://t.co/2KkMbGxM4C
— Natalie (@phatnats) October 27, 2018
Cesc Fabregas has refused to rule out a return to Arsenal next summer. If he is realistic about his wages, I’d take him back all day long. He was a great player for us – his experience and quality would be a great asset, even if he isn’t as mobile as he once was. #afc #emeryball
— Adam Keys (@_AdamKeys) October 28, 2018
Arsenal fans, would u take Fabregas back on a free?
— Floris ?? (@BestMavropanos) October 28, 2018
I'd happily take Fabregas back
— Salim (@salim_l87) October 28, 2018
Fabregas at 31? I'd absolutely take him back ? https://t.co/gAzjfMP0O5
— Mr Randy… Watson | #TFT (@FlavaInYourEar) October 28, 2018
Would take Fabregas back tbh
— Ross Morgan (@WEDITSRVM) September 28, 2018