Thanks To A Departing Hero.

On Monday afternoon, a contract was signed that brought to an end one of the most protracted and extraordinary transfer sagas of all time. With the announcement that Francesc Fabregas had joined FC Barcelona, signing a 6-year contract, it signals the end of an era that Arsenal fans new was approaching for a long time. For the second time in 5 years, Gunners fans can only sit and reminisce as we watch our captain ride off into the Catalan sunset. This article isn't a criticism of Fabregas, or indeed his new club, like many have been spewing as the transfer has neared confirmation. No, in fact this is merely a thank you to a young player who has been amongst the best I have witnessed in my lifetime.

On the 28th March 2006, I clearly remember sitting down in my armchair to watch Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final against Juventus at Highbury. Before the game, much of the press speculation was centred around the return of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira for the first time since his exit the previous summer. The former skipper had, of course, been an incredible talent during his time in North London, setting the stadium alight with his passion and skill. It was slightly unnerving, therefore, to see a young, relatively inexperienced central midfielder selected to face him. That young player was Arsenal's number 15 - Cesc Fabregas.

Of course, in spite of his age Fabregas had already gathered notable first team experience. He had already become Arsenal's youngest ever goalscorer after netting against Wolves. He had already scored a league goal against Blackburn, making him the Gunner's youngest ever league scorer, too. He'd started in the Community Shield final, as well as Vieira's last ever game - the F.A Cup final. In spite of this experience, few could predict what was going to happen that night in March.

To put it simply, Fabregas' performance was one of the single finest I had ever seen from an Arsenal player. In my memories of watching football, certain individual performances stand out as particularly excellent - David Beckham against Greece in that World Cup qualifier. Andrey Arshavin's four-goal haul against Liverpool, Steven Gerrard in Istanbul. Fabregas' showing against Juve was, in my opinion, as impressive as any of these. This is predominantly because it was almost unexpected. As the young Spaniard weaved his way through his opponents one-by-one, he made his former team mate and captain look positively ropey. Fabregas' 40th minute goal was followed by a superb assist to tee up Thierry Henry, capping off a performance that left jaws gaping and hopes high that this young lad could become something really special.

Arsenal fans cannot be disappointed. Sure, this is a player who we have nurtured into what he is, and ultimately the pessimist will say it is another who has not repaid our dedication. However, we should simply feel lucky to have been able to call Cesc our own, even if it was for a disappointingly short time. Some of the moments that man has given me, personally, are worth more than another season or two. The sheer joy as he fired in from 30 yards against AC Milan. The ecstasy as he curled a superb free kick against Aston Villa, to effectively keep Arsenal in the title race. His outstanding performance against his future club, scoring a penalty with a broken leg to level the game. These moments are what football is about, and I would personally like to offer my gratitude to this magician for giving me some of my favourites.

So, what now for Fabregas, and what lies ahead for his mentor Arsene Wenger. The fee for the transfer, reportedly £30m up front with £5m in bonuses and additional payments, seems frankly a steal, considering the extortionate amounts paid recently for Andy Carroll and Fernando Torres. It speaks volumes of the extent to which Arsenal's hands were tied. They knew their captain wanted out. They knew he would eventually leave, and that if he stayed his influence would become disruptive and negative. The deal had to be done this summer, and this offer was the best it was ever going to get. Fabregas has already been given the number four shirt by the Catalan giants, and though many Arsenal fans have maintained that the precocious midfielder is more than likely to sit on the bench at the Nou Camp, i'm sure the minutes he gets on the pitch will be increasingly regular, and more enjoyable than those spent in England for the player himself.

For Arsenal, the remaining days and hours until August 31st form perhaps the most crucial two-week period since Arsene Wenger took over at the club. With the departure of Samir Nasri also apparently imminent, the need to get new players in quickly is obvious to all at the club. While the deals completed so far, for Lille's Gervinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton, Carl Jenkinson from Charlton and an apparent deal for young striker Joel Campbell emphasise Wenger's willingness to spend, they leave a lot to be desired. While Gunners fans see Liverpool, Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea spending money for experienced players and established talent, they become increasingly frustrated as more youngsters arrive at the Emirates. Now, surely, seems the time for Wenger to bite the bullet. He simply must spend some money on new, established talent.


Fabregas has gone. Nasri seems more than likely to leave, also. As painful as it may be, we must move on and forget about these two. This season seems to be the campaign for Arsenal to have a fresh start, and I can only hope that Wenger allows one to come about by opening his chequebook. Until then, let me go and YouTube some more highlights of an incredible talent we were able to enjoy for a while.