A farewell to Fabregas

Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas looks set it to leave the Nou Camp with a return to England looking increasingly likely. Just 3 years ago, Barcelona worked so hard to bring back their former youth product from Arsenal but his return has never been what he expected. So how did it get to this?

Xavi, Neymar, Pique and co all modelled the new Barcelona kit at their release photo shoot but there was one high profile absence, Cesc Fabregas. Although small, this is was the first real sign that Fabregas could potentially leave. Sure, there could have been a hundred reasons why Fabregas was unable to attend the photo shoot, but Fabregas has never been truly appreciated.

In a recent interview, team mate Gerard Pique said that Fabregas was "not valued as he deserves" at the club. There is truth to this statement, as Fabregas has never been one of the first names on the team sheet like he was at Arsenal. Although there is much more fierce competition at Barcelona than there is at the Gunners, Fabregas still finds playing time sparingly.

Cesc Fabregas is currently with the Spain squad in preparation
to retain the World Cup title they won in South Africa . 

In what was a disappointing campaign under Gerard Martino, the Catalan giants decided to install Luis Enrique, a former player at the club, as their new manager. In his first interview as head coach of Barcelona, Enrique gave away the biggest hint that Fabregas was not in his plans. When asked questions about individuals like Neymar and their futures, Enrique was more than happy to comment on the matter. However, as soon as a question regarding Fabregas at the club, Enrique did not want to comment.

The news soon broke that Fabregas was available for transfer and to the displeasure of Arsenal fans, his destination is not going to be a reunion with Arsene Wenger. Fabregas, currently on international duty with Spain, is the focus of local rivals Chelsea and money bags Manchester City. Where ever it is revealed that Fabregas is going, Pique let slip in a interview that a deal was already done.

It is reported that while Pique was in a press conference with manager Del Bosque, he did not realise that his microphone was still on and revealed a deal was done. He is supposed to have said: "He told me a deal was done. He is already leaving, he told me it is 33 million." Del Bosque replies: "Poor president (in reference to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu). He can't win for losing."    

Pique, a close friend of Fabregas, let slip about
a potential "done deal." 

Could this be a wind up from Pique and Del Bosque? Pique is a notorious prankster and as soon as they spoke, they start smiling and cover up their mouths. Pique fails to mention which club Fabregas is heading so could merely be stirring the pot. 

This maybe one of the biggest deals of the summer transfer window and is sure to be tracked by every sporting media outlet. Where could Fabregas end up? And what for what fee? This could turn into a hugely played out saga that goes on for some time, but will surely be interesting!