Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has admitted he was shocked by Cesc Fabregas’ move to Chelsea. The ex-Gunner completed a £30m move to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona last month in a sensational move.
Arsene Wenger did have first option to buy him back, but the Arsenal boss turned down the chance to be reunited with his former captain. The move to rivals Chelsea both shocked and disappointed many Gunners fans around the world and most have now turned on their former hero.
Fabregas himself tweeted back in 2010: “If I ever wear a Chelsea shirt, you have permission to kill me.”
With that U-Turn, Arsenal fans are now branding him as a traitor. The overall negative reaction hasn’t been had by people inside the Emirates Stadium though. Although midfielder Flamini revealed he was shocked by the move, he said he understood why he did it.
The Frenchman said: “I had an amazing time with him at Arsenal and he stayed a very close friend of mine. I’m a bit disappointed he’ll be playing with Chelsea rather than us, but I respect his decision.
“That’s football and I’m very happy for him because I’m sure that if he’s moving back it’s because he wanted it. I’m also very happy that he’s coming back to London, because he’s going to be my neighbour, so I’ll see him a lot!”
By Charlie Gregory
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