Cesc Fabregas has revealed his Premier League best XI, including four former Arsenal stars and just two Chelsea stars.
Fábregas asked for time from his illustrious playing career of 20 years in July 2023 after posting a statement announcing his retirement on Twitter.
Fabregas He won two Premier League titles, two European Championships, a Champions League title and a World Cup before retiring.
The former Spain international, who played for both Arsenal and Chelsea, scored a total of 50 Premier League goals in 350 games.
He faced some of the most formidable opponents and has now opened up about exactly who would make up his starting XI in the Premier League.
Former footballer Cesc Fábregas has revealed his best Premier League XI (above)
Naming his final Premier League squad, Fabregas told Mail Sport: “David Seaman, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Kyle Walker.
“In midfield Patrick Viera, Steven Gerrard, Cristiano Ronaldo then neither David Silva or Kevin de Bruyne, not sure which.
He ended up naming: ‘Thierry HenryDidier Drogba’.
Fabregas also named the toughest opponent he faced when playing in the Premier League when speaking to SPORTBible in April 2024.
Fabregas credited Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard for being the toughest opponent he had faced during his Premier League days.
“I always felt like he had everything in his locker,” Fabregas said. “He could dictate the game, score goals, give assists, run behind.” Offensively he was very strong.
“You always felt that when you faced him you had to be at the top of your game, otherwise you would be in trouble, because he was so consistent.
‘He always went and eight, seven, eight, seven [out of 10]. For me he was a role model and someone, looking back, I really appreciated playing against him. I learned a lot from him.’
He chose David Seaman, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Kyle Walker, Patrick Viera, Steven Gerrard, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Silva/Kevin de Bruyne, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba
Fábregas began his career at Barcelona’s academy, La Masia, but struggled to get first-team opportunities and moved to Arsenal in September 2003 before becoming their captain.
Fábregas began his career at Barcelona’s academy, La Masia, but struggled to get first-team opportunities and moved to Arsenal in September 2003.
It was during his time with the Gunners where Fabregas’ skills really developed, as he quickly became a vital part of Arsene Wenger’s team.
During his eight seasons in north London, the Spaniard played 303 games and, in the process, earned the club captaincy.
Despite winning an FA Cup with Arsenal, Fabregas was destined for bigger and better things and, in August 2011, he sealed his return to Barcelona.
For three years, Fábregas played his part within one of the best teams in football, which featured players such as Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi, all coached by Pep Guardiola.
He played 151 games for the Catalan team and won a LaLiga, a Copa del Rey and two Super Cups during that time.
It was also around this time that Spain asserted its dominance on the international scene, with Fabregas being a key figure.
Over five seasons he made 198 appearances and played an integral role in title-winning teams under José Mourinho and Antonio Conte in 2014-15 and 2016-17.
He left Chelsea in 2019 for Monaco, where he spent four years before joining Como, where he finished his career.
Fábregas won two Premier League titles during his time at Chelsea between 2014 and 2019.
Cesc Fábregas spoke on behalf of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, official partner of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League, as part of the Enterprise ‘Rent-A-Player’ competition in London. Discover more at www.enterprise.co.uk/uel