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After completing his long awaited move back home to Barcelona, Cesc Fabregas magnanimously thanked and saluted Arsenal fans everywhere whose support and appreciation he was quick to acknowledge.
So after 8 long hard years in North London, the Spanish midfielder leaves with one FA Cup, a few runners-up medals (Carling Cup 2007 & 2011) and (UEFA Champions League 2006), but more importantly, he leaves with many great memories.
Reflecting on Cesc’s time at Arsenal, In The Stands’ Rolly Pelovangu pinpoints five of the 24-year-old’s particularly stand out moments.
1. First Goal vs Wolves (Carling Cup 2003)
Hands up if the name Francesc Fabregas Soler rung a bell as far back as 2003? Thought not!
When a 16-year-old Fabregas turned home the fifth goal against Wolves during Arsenal’s Fourth Round Carling Cup clash in October 2003 to become Arsenal’s youngster ever goalscorer aged just 16 years and 212 days, few people would have predicted nor, expected this slightly-built, small Spaniard from La Masia will turn out to be a world class Gunner just a few years later. It was ever thus.
2. Cesc Fabregas Goal vs Tottenham, Nov 2010
Arsenal had just gone 1-0 up in a tight North London derby at the Emirates Stadium, cue mass delirium and relief from the home faithful.
Everyone assumes that the slender lead will suffice with halftime fast approaching; everyone bar Cesc Fabregas who picked the ball up from the centre spot, ran past the entire Spurs midfield before lashing home a second.
The Spaniard also made a magnificent cameo appearance against Aston Villa in 2010 when he came off the bench, struck twice and gave the Gunners a resounding 3-0 win.
3. Cesc Fabregas Loses Carling Cup Final 2011
The match was supposed to end a six-year trophy drought for Wenger’s men, but when they sensationally lost the 2011 Carling Cup Final to a relegated Birmingham side, the alarm bells must have been ringing once again in Cesc’s mind.
Although the Gunners captain did not play in that final, in lieu of the disappointing result, this was perhaps the day of all days where Fabregas decided with clarity that ‘it is time to leave Arsenal’.
4. Cesc Fabregas Becomes a European & World Champion
Although not a regular starter, Cesc Fabregas played a crucial role in turning an underachieving Spain side into European and world-beaters.
At Euro 2008, the Barca midfielder scored the crucial penalty which defeated Italy in a tight penalty shoot-out during the quarter-finals as La Roja Furia banished their spot-kick woes.
Fabregas also started the final against Germany and it was his assist which led to Andres Iniesta thumping home the winner against the Netherlands in the 2010 final as Spain finally lifted the famous Jules Rimet trophy.
5. Cesc Fabregas joins Barcelona, August 2011
As inevitable as day and night! “To all Gunners: A big thank you for your unconditional support during the last 8 yrs. Just say that I will always carry you in my heart!” he told Gooners everywhere as his plane landed in Catalunya.
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