Where next for Cesc Fabregas after ‘worst year of his life’ at Monaco?
AS Monaco midfielder Cesc Fabregas has confirmed he will enter free agency this summer.
The 35-year-old Spanish midfielder joined The Monégasques in 2019, following a trophy-laden spell at Chelsea, and would subsequently go on to make 68 appearances in all competitions with six of those coming this season.
An injury hit campaign has forced the former Arsenal captain to play only 36 minutes of Ligue 1 football and with his present deal set to expire in June the 110-time Spain international feels he needs to continue a near two-decade playing career elsewhere.
“No, it’s certain that it’s finished between me and Monaco. My contract expires in June and I am looking to depart. My head needs a departure elsewhere,” he told French publication So Foot when asked if there was a chance of a contract renewal in the principality.
“It’s been not only the worst year of my career but the worst year of my life because when I’m not happy in football, I can’t be happy in life. I have suffered a lot this year; it’s been difficult mentally.
“To be honest, I received a couple of phone calls in the last couple of weeks from former managers to see whether I was open to joining them as a coach. But this year has been so bad that I can’t end like this, not after having constructed this career. I want to continue playing.
“I am open to anything, I just want to enjoy myself. The place doesn’t really matter. I am going to find a new project and see where the future takes me.”
ON THIS DAY: In 2003, Cesc Fabregas became Arsenal's youngest ever goalscorer.
◉ 304 games
◉ 35 Premier League goals
◉ 70 Premier League assistsAnd he went on to become the Gunners' second-youngest ever captain. 👏 pic.twitter.com/2mSTykAOmF
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 2, 2021
Given his wealth of experience there will be no shortage of suitors. However, chances are unlikely that he’ll end up at one of Europe’s super clubs, in the past Fabregas has been linked with a Major League Soccer move. A graduate of Barcelona’s esteemed ‘La Masia’ academy, Fabregas left for Arsenal in 2003 when it became clear a path to first-team football at the Camp Nou was blocked, once breaking through under Arsene Wenger’s guidance the Arenys de Mar-born footballer would become of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders.
His time in North London came to an end soon after Spain’s successful 2010 World Cup bid, with Fabregas returning home, but it was a somewhat short-lived Barça spell and Chelsea brought him back to England where he lifted two league titles. Monaco became Fabregas’ fourth club but he’s struggled to hold down a regular starting berth with niggly injuries becoming a common occurrence. From a possible 152 games he’s only played 54 times in Ligue 1 during which time he’s managed only three goals and six assists.
