Why Cesc Fabregas should avoid Barcelona and stay at Arsenal for one more season

19 May 2010 14:00
May 21, 2005 was a day I'll never forget. A season after Arsenal's Invincibles went an entire Premier League campaign unbeaten; they headed to Cardiff's Millennium stadium to face old foes Manchester United in the FA Cup final. [LNB]After a tight one sided affair, the Gunners put in a dogged, defensive performance to beat Sir Alex Ferguson's side 5-4 on penalties.[LNB] It was Patrick Vieria's last kick in an Arsenal shirt which won the game and to date marks the Gunners last piece of silverware.[LNB] Class of '05: Vieira lifts the FA Cup as Fabregas (centre) celebrates his only medal at Arsenal [LNB] For years the Frenchman had been Arsenal's talismanic figure but in the summer of 2005 he departed for Fabio Capello's Juventus. [LNB]As an Arsenal fan I was gutted. I couldn't believe Wenger had decided to sell a key player and not bought a replacement. [LNB] Spot on: Vieira ends his Arsenal career on a high with the winning penalty [LNB]Eight months later, Arsenal were a shadow of the side that topped the Premier League summit in 2004. Wenger's team were sixth in the Premier League, 28 points behind leaders Chelsea and were out of both domestic cups. [LNB]The saving grace was the Champions League and they hosted Italian giants Juventus in the quarter-finals. [LNB]Student and the Master: Fabregas announced himself on the global stage with an inspired performance against Juventus in 2006 [LNB]The occasion marked the return of Vieira, but that was not the fondest memory of the evening. For me, it was the night Cesc Fabregas introduced himself on to the world stage. It was the night that justified Wenger's decision not to buy a replacement. [LNB]Despite Juventus having an experienced world class midfield with thelikes of Camoranesi, Vieira and Emerson, Fabregas, despite being just18, out performed his opponents. [LNB]The Spaniard put Arsenalahead with a low strike from 20 yards and later passed for ThierryHenry to convert into an empty net from 12 yards out. [LNB] Gameby game, season by season, Fabregas, under the tuition of Wenger, hasgrown into one of the leading midfielders in the game. [LNB] So, it's hardly surprising that Barcelona want to bring the 23-year-old back to the Nou Camp, some seven years after selling him for £500,000. But where will they use the Arsenal skipper? [LNB]Coach Pep Guardiola deploys a 4-3-3 formation and I find it hard to see where Fabregas would fit into his system. [LNB] Brimming with talent: Fabregas would have to fight for his place at Barcelona [LNB]With a midfield trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets in defensive midfield, who would Fabregas replace? Will Guardiola change his formation that has won seven major trophies in two seasons to accommodate Cesc?[LNB] At Arsenal, Fabregas is a certain starter and is adored by the fans. Yet as a Catalonian, the appeal of playing for his boyhood club, appears to be an opportunity he can not refuse. [LNB]To be loved at Barca like he is in N5, would be a dream come true and I believe that no Arsenal fan would blame Cesc for leaving. [LNB] On his way: Fabregas looks to have played his last game for the Gunners [LNB]But in saying that, I hope he does not walk away from the EmiratesStadium this summer. As captain and leader of the team, I am begginghim to stay for one more season. [LNB]This campaign has provedthat with one or maybe two more additions and an injury-free year,Arsenal can mount a serious assault on the Premier League next season. [LNB]But without Fabregas, I fear they will struggle to maintain their position in the top four. [LNB] Cesc is going home to Barcelona: all that's left is for Arsenal to agree a fee Barca promise to respect Arsenal - as they step up bid to take Fabregas homeCesc Fabregas Barcelona deal hit by Yaya Toure snubbing Arsenal for better offers - as Manchester City eye IvorianARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail