Sport loves a bit of drama. It makes it compelling for viewers, supporters and the players alike when there is a little off-the-field action that makes the on-field action spicy. We are talking about the Gunners’ prodigal son Cesc Fabregas.
The Spaniard was a crowd favourite during his time at the Emirates Stadium. He was their talisman and captain for a long time before his boyhood club Barcelona came calling. Arsene Wenger came calling when he was still a boy at Catalan club and help him become a man at the North London club.
The 28-year-old has since made a sensational move back to the Premier League by choosing to sign for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. Of course, Wenger passed the chance to re-sign his old favourite but the fans could never reconcile with the fact that he signed for the local rivals.
Wenger helped Fabregas shape into one of the finest midfielders in Europe. He had his own reasons for turning up on the idea of signing him back. The Spanish international was afforded a mixed reaction when he returned to his old ground last April. A section of the supporters booed him but generally he received a warm welcome. But, there was hostility in the air.
And when the action resumes this weekend with the season opener in the Community Shield, Fabregas will be bracing for more hostility. However, he thinks that nothing can detract from his time under Wenger, which he still cherishes.
”Whatever it is, it is. The love I have for that club will never change whatever happens and what is the most important is what I have with me are the memories,” said Fabregas.
Fabregas spent eight years at the club and always gave his best to the club. Though there is animosity over the move to Stamford Bridge, no one can ever doubt his affection to the club or Wenger.
So, when the action starts for the new season, there will be a reunion for two players. Fabregas will look to rekindle some old memories but still win it for his current team. And so will Petr Cech! The venerable goal keeper has signed for Arsenal at the start of the transfer window and will love to prove a point to Mourinho.
Fabregas also accepted that Chelsea will have to be at their very best throughout the new campaign to retain the title, with a number of clubs ready to challenge for the title.
The Spaniard knows very well that Arsenal will be one of the toughest competitors for his club this season. With the two teams vying for bragging rights at the Wembley, it would be interesting to see how the match is played.
It may well not be an important trophy but this season Community Shield is fast turning out to be an intriguing one.
Sridhar