Cesc Fabregas admits it has been painful to watch Arsenal’s difficult season.

Once more the Gunners will end the season empty-handed, which means their FA Cup success in 2005 remains the last entry on their honours list.

Fabregas left the Londoners for Barcelona in the summer, but the midfielder makes no secret that his love for the Emirates Stadium club remains strong.

"It has been painful," the 24-year-old told the Guardian. "It's been painful because I want them to do well as a club and they're my friends.

"Then there is the boss, who I admire so much and who I'm so grateful to. I watch virtually every Arsenal game - unless we play at the same time.

“I've watched 90% of their games this season. I don't want to see them losing or being sad or having bad moments. Hopefully they will finish the league well."

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