I met Man United and Man City about transfer on same day but one man convinced me of Chelsea

Cesc Fabregas turned down offers to join Manchester United and Manchester City to join Chelsea in 2014.

The former Spanish midfielder was playing for Barcelona at the time after joining from Arsenal three years earlier in 2011.

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Since returning to his boyhood club, Fabregas helped Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2013, but was part of the team that failed the following year.

With a draw against Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp on the final day of the season, Barcelona gave Atletico their first title in 18 years.

As a result, Fabregas was one of several players who were heavily criticised by the media and fans, leading to his decision to seek a move away from the Nou Camp.

Speaking on the podcast The Rest Is Football, Fabregas said: “I just felt it was time to move on and maybe be more important somewhere else.”

“We had this week between the season and the World Championship. I went to London, rested and thought a little about what I wanted to do. I had already made my decision, I wanted to leave.

“I called them and told them my decision. Before I left for the World Cup, I met with the three clubs on the same day: Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea. It was at the house of my agent Darren Dein.

“I spoke with [United manager] David Moyes on the phone, then after I met [Man City chief] Txiki Begiristain and right after I met [Chelsea manager] Jose Mourinho.

“By talking and analyzing, you also get a sense of who is who and what people want from you.”

He said of Jose: “He convinced me, he brought me to Chelsea. I had doubts because of my time at Arsenal whether I could be the same player and be happy again.”

“He made me feel like there was no other way. It was Chelsea or Chelsea. Manchester City had a great project and did amazing things. Even with [David] Silva, I had a great connection.”

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When asked if he was concerned about the Arsenal connection, he said: “Of course.

“I know it means nothing now, but Arsenal will always be one of the best things that has happened to me in my life and career. If I wasn’t an Arsenal player, none of this would have happened.

“I was 27. If I were 32, I wouldn’t think about it. But at 27, you’re still at the peak of your career.

“I felt strong and motivated to take on another challenge in my career. Jose made me realise that I could do it at Chelsea.

“Fortunately, I was right. In my five years there we won everything except the Champions League. It was definitely the right decision.”

Fabregas played 198 games for Chelsea, scoring 22 goals and providing 57 assists.

During this time he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League title.