Cesc Fabregas has revealed the iconic moment that made him feel like he belonged at Arsenal as a young player.
The Spaniard joined the Gunners in 2003 as a 16-year-old after leaving Barcelona’s academy to join Arsene Wenger’s side.
Having made the move alone to north London, Fabregas was taken in by Paul, Mark and Noreen Davies, who had successfully applied to house Arsenal’s academy stars.
Along with Philippe Senderos, Fabregas was made to feel at home as the house and back garden were filled with footballs, while the Gunners were regular viewing.
And it was while watching the infamous goalless draw between Arsenal and Manchester United – dubbed the ‘Battle of Old Trafford’ – that Fabregas realised he was in the right place.
The classic encounter saw United presented with a late opportunity to steal victory from the penalty spot after Patrick Vieira was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Ruud van Nistelrooy though missed, leading to both sets of players clashing after the Dutchman was taunted by Arsenal’s players, most notably Martin Keown.
"The first game I watched after I moved in was the Man United vs Arsenal game from 2003 where Ruud van Nistelrooy missed the penalty,” Fabregas told The Athletic.
“I watched it with Paul, Mark and Noreen at the house, and I couldn’t believe it. The amount of shouts, the passion they showed for the game and for Arsenal. It was unbelievable.
"I found that feeling very soon with Arsenal. I knew very, very quickly how special that club is. They made sure I understood from day one.”
Fabregas added: "I wasn’t homesick because I knew what I was there to do.
“I was training with the first team from day one. I just loved it. Playing with the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole, Dennis Bergkamp… I just loved it.”
