Former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has admitted he has no regrets playing for Chelsea, after snubbing offers from Manchester United and Manchester City.

Fabregas joined Chelsea in 2014 under Jose Mourinho, and he has revealed he also had offers from Manchester United and City.

Speaking candidly on The Rest Is Football podcast, Fabregas told host Gary Lineker: “I just felt it was time to move on [from Barcelona] and maybe be more important somewhere else.

“We had that week between the season and the World Cup. I went to London, rested and thought a little bit about what I wanted to do.

“I had made my decision already, I wanted to leave.

“I called them and told them my decision. Before going to the World Cup, I sat down the same day with the three clubs: Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea. It was at the house of my agent, Darren Dein.

“I spoke to [then United manager] David Moyes on the phone, then after I met [Manchester City director] Txiki Begiristain and straight after I met [then Chelsea boss] Jose Mourinho.

“By talking, analysing, you also get perceptions about who is who and what they want from you.”

“He convinced me, he brought me to Chelsea. I had doubts due to my time at Arsenal, could I be the same player and be happy again?” he added.

“He made me feel there was no other way. It was Chelsea or Chelsea.

‘”Manchester City had a great project and were doing amazing things. Even with [David] Silva I had a great connection.”

Asked if had concerns about joining Chelsea due to his previous ties with Arsenal, Fabregas replied: “Of course.

“I know now it means nothing, but Arsenal will always be one of the best things that happened in my life and my career. If I wasn’t a player with Arsenal then none of this would have happened.

“I was 27. If I was 32 then I wouldn’t think about it. But at 27 you are still at the peak of your career.

“I felt strong and motivated to take on another challenge in my career. That is what Jose made me realise I could be at Chelsea.

“Fortunately I was right, in my five years there we won everything except the Champions League. It was the right call definitely.”

Fabregas retired in 2023 to bring an end to an illustrious 20-year career.