
Cesc
Fabregas says Chelsea would rather win the Premier League over the FA Cup.
Chelsea missed out on claiming a domestic double after losing 2-1 to London
rivals Arsenal at Wembley on Saturday.
Fabregas, who won the FA Cup with the Gunners in the 2004/5 season, started
just 15 games for Chelsea across the entire campaign and was unable to help
the Blues to add further silverware after their Premier League triumph under
Antonio Conte.
A disputed Alexis Sanchez goal opened proceedings for the Gunners, with
referee Anthony Taylor overruling an offside decision having missed a
handball in the build-up. Diego Costa levelled for Chelsea following Victor
Moses' dismissal for diving in the Arsenal box, only to see Aaron Ramsey
head home the decisive goal three minutes later.
"It is still a good season. We go home with a bad taste because of what has
happened but for sure we would rather win the Premier League than the FA
Cup," said Fabregas.
Fabregas, who spent eight years at Arsenal before returning to Barcelona in
2011, was disappointed to miss out on a place in Conte's starting line-up.
The 30-year-old midfielder had started four of the Blues' last six Premier
League games during which Chelsea's Premier League title was confirmed with
victory over West Brom.
"I thought I was playing very, very well in the last few months," Fabregas,
who conceded that Conte had done an impressive job in his first season in
England, said.
"I was in great form and it was a shame I didn't start the game. I was
playing very well and the team was winning, scoring a lot of goals and
defending well. That is football, you have to accept decisions. It is a bad
day and a shame because we wanted to win. The most important thing is the
team didn't win.
"Sometimes it is all about the coach's decision. I don't think I could have
done much more this season, it is the coach's decision and you have to
respect that. I'm sure he wants the best for the team and if he thinks that
is the way to go, you have to go with it, we are a team. It is between him
and me. I have nothing against Antonio; he has done a fantastic job.
"Of course every player wants to play more, it is in the genes of a winner
and I am one of them. I'm here for whatever the team needs and I have shown
that during the season."