Cesc Fabregas has spoken of his admiration for Arsenal Football Club coach Arsene Wenger.

The French tactician signed the Spaniard as 16-year-old back in the summer of 2003, when he recognised the enormous talent of the Barcelona youngster.

After eight years in London Fabregas has now returned to the Camp Nou in a £35million deal, and he insists without Wenger he would not be in the privileged position he is in today.

"Without him I would not have made my debut by 16, played in the final of the Champions League at 18 and been team captain by 20,” he told El Pais.

"Without him I would not be a Barca player now, he convinced the owners of Arsenal, who would not sell under any circumstances, to lower the price."

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