Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has revealed how the club meant everything to him and has thanked the club's supporters despite not being able to say goodbye.
The Spaniard joined La Liga giants Barcelona in a deal worth £35m in the summer of 2011, after spending eight years in north London after joining the Gunners as a teenager.
Fabregas only won one major honour with the Gunners - the 2005 FA Cup, and failed to lift any silverware after being named captain by former boss Arsene Wenger.
After three seasons at the Camp Nou, the midfielder returned to the Premier League joining Chelsea, where he won the Premier League title twice, one FA Cup and one League Cup.
But despite his time at Stamford Bridge, Fabregas has now opened up on how every game he represented the Gunners in was special and how the fans will always have a place in his heart.
"Every game I played for Arsenal was very special,” the midfielder told the Arseblog podcast.
“The club meant everything to me. I remember the day I joined like it was yesterday.
“I didn't have a chance to say 'bye' but thank you for everything you did for me.
“I have you all [the fans in my heart]."
Speaking at the time of his departure from Arsenal nine years ago, Fabregas said: "I was just a servant and spent eight years there when I gave absolutely everything.
"It didn't show in the cabinet, I only won one FA Cup really, and this is the biggest regret I will have in my career, probably, not to be able to lift a trophy as Arsenal captain.
"I will always be an Arsenal fan because what they have done for me is unbelievable and I will never forget it."
Later, the midfielder also thanked Arsenal fans on Twitter: "To all Gunners: A big thank you for your unconditional support during the last 8 yrs.
"Just say that I will always carry you in my heart!"
