Fabregas taken on his ‘biggest challenge’

Former Arsenal captain hails Wenger at his Barca unveiling.

BARCELONA: Spain midfield star Cesc Fabregas admitted that he had taken on the biggest challenge of his career after completing his marathon move from Arsenal to European champions Barcelona.

“Two or three years ago I wasn’t ready to leave Arsenal,”said an emotional Fabregas. “But today I am.”

Arsene Wenger insists he had to let Fabregas go because his captain was no longer completely committed to the Gunners.

“Yes, we lost a world class player and we are sad about it,” said Wenger.  “He has to be completely committed to where he is. We sold Cesc for a reduced fee. If you make an auction you will certainly get more money but he just wanted to go to Barcelona.”

Fabregas, whose only trophy at Arsenal was the 2005 FA Cup, also spared some time for his previous manager during his press conference at his unveiling ceremony in Barcelona.

“Leaving was very emotional because Wenger was like a second father for me,” said Fabregas. “I can’t thank him enough.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2011.