Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has praised Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, stating that the French coach has had the most impact on his career.
The Spain international playmaker moved to the Emirates Stadium as a youngster, leaving boyhood club Barcelona and the fabled La Masia youth academy to seek out opportunities in England.
Fabregas went on to be a star for the Gunners before returning to the Catalan outfit.
The now Chelsea midfielder has stated his gratitude and admiration for Wenger, who put a lot of faith in the youngster when moving for Fabregas.
“Arsene Wenger was probably the most important because he gave me the real chance, the chance that everyone needs and everyone wants,” Fabregas told FourFourTwo.
“After that it’s up to you to prove that they are right, they are wrong, it’s in your hands, but he gave me the chance.
“He took me when I was only 16 – he made me a better player, a better person. I always considered him like a father figure, like a second father.
“The way he treated me it’s not normal nowadays in football because everything is so fast, everyone is so impatient – you need results now.”
Wenger has received some criticism from Arsenal fans due to a lack of major silverware in recent years, with some calling for the veteran trainer to step aside at the North London club.
However, the former Monaco trainer’s commitment to helping players progress at Arsenal cannot be questioned, with Fabregas a classic case in point in terms of Wenger assisting a young starlet to meet their potential.
