How Frank Lampard and Cesc Fabregas ended an 11-year feud in a Russian gym after a bitter rivalry on the pitch

Cesc Fábregas and Frank Lampard were far from the best of friends during their time as players.

The two were sworn enemies as they competed with their London rivals. Arsenal and Chelsea – with the heated 2007 League Cup final between the two sides sparking an 11-year feud.

In fact, the tension between the two was so strong that the former Gunners star Fabregas has revealed that it took until after lampThey will retire so they can bury the hatchet in a Russian gym.

Both were among the best midfielders in the world during their careers, and often found themselves at the center of battle during heated encounters between Arsenal and the Blues.

This at times caused the two playmakers to become enraged as their teams went head-to-head for titles during a fiercely competitive era in English football.

On one occasion, an altercation broke out during the 2007 League Cup final, which Chelsea won 2-1, resulting in Lampard and Fabregas having to be separated.

and the first Spain International revealed that it was this incident that turned out to be the beginning of their feud.

talking to The telegraph In 2020, Fábregas recalled: “It is completely true (that we fought), we don't have to hide anything, I think he will tell you the same.

“We've had many, many battles over the years and we didn't like each other on the football pitch because he wanted to play and win for Chelsea and I wanted to win for Arsenal.

“The League Cup final was crazy. We were losing 2-1 and it was basically the last moment of the game and you feel a little frustrated.

“(John Obi) Mikel and Kolo Toure He made a tackle and both were sent off. Frank and I had a moment there.

“I think maybe I was too young and too enthusiastic. I basically wanted to beat the world and sometimes I got overwhelmed by the situation and overdid it.”

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And the discomfort between the two continued after Fábregas joined Barcelona in 2011, with which they suffered defeat in the Champions League semi-finals against Lampard and Chelsea in 2012.

Fábregas reflected on the reunion with his English opponent: “Even when I was at Barcelona, ​​​​I remember that in the Champions League clash we also had our moments.

“Personally, I love it. Frank is a competitor and a winner, and he'll tell you the same thing.”

Ironically, the current Como manager would replace Lampard at Chelsea, signing just days after the Blues' all-time leading scorer announced his departure in 2014.

And although they were denied the chance to put things right at Stamford Bridge, Fabregas revealed the time finally came at the 2018 World Cup, while working as a commentator for the BBC.

He recalled: “We met at the World Cup in Russia working for the BBC and we went to the gym together.

“We were having lunch together and that was when he had just signed for Derby, and I was asking him questions about how he saw the situation and he explained his plans to me a little bit.”

And despite their many clashes, Fabregas admitted he had nothing but respect for Lampard, who lifted three Premier League titles and won the 2012 Champions League during his 13 years with the Blues.

The 2010 world champion explained: “This is what football is about. I respect him a lot for what he has done with Chelsea and for football in general.

“He was a fantastic player and a fantastic opponent to play against.

“Of course I didn't like him, because many times they beat us and it was difficult to play against him, but always with respect and admiration.”