I met Manchester United and Manchester City about the transfer on the same day, but one man convinced me about Chelsea.

Cesc Fabregas turned down moves from both Manchester United and Manchester City to join Chelsea in 2014.

The former Spanish midfielder played for Barcelona at the time of joining from Arsenal three years in 2011.

Since returning to his boyhood club, Fabregas helped Barcelona win the LaLiga title in 2013 but was part of the team that fell short the following year.

By drawing with Atlético Madrid at the Nou Camp on the final day of the season, Barcelona gave Atlético its first title in 18 years.

As a result, Fabregas was one of the players harshly criticised by the media and fans, which led to his decision to leave the Nou Camp.

Talking about The rest is football In a podcast, Fabregas said: “I just felt it was time to move on 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 bit about what I wanted to do. I had already made my decision, I wanted to go.

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

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

“By talking and analyzing, you also gain insights into who is who and what they want from you.”

On Jose, he said: “He convinced me, he brought me to Chelsea. I had doubts because of my time at Arsenal and whether I could be the same player again and be happy.”

“He made me feel like there was no other option. It was either Chelsea or Chelsea. Manchester City had a great project and were doing amazing things. Even with (David) Silva I had a great connection.”

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Asked if he was worried about the Arsenal connection, he said: “Of course.

“I know now that it means nothing, but Arsenal will always be one of the best things that has happened to me in my life and career. If I hadn't been an Arsenal player, none of this would have happened.

“I was 27. If I was 32, I wouldn’t think about it. But at 27, you’re still at the top of your game.

“I felt strong and motivated to take on another challenge in my career. That's what made me realise that I could be that at Chelsea thanks to José.

“Luckily, I was right. In the five years I was there we won everything except the Champions League. It was definitely the right decision.”

Fabregas made 198 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 22 goals and providing 57 assists.

In that time he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League title.