Cesc Fabregas said Real Madrid made multiple attempts to sign him during his time with Arsenal, but he turned down the chance to join the Blancos.
After coming through the ranks at Barcelona, Fabregas joined Arsenal's academy in 2003 in search of a better route to first-team minutes.
Fabregas would get just that in north London, becoming Arsenal's youngest ever player when he made his senior debut in October 2003 aged 16 years and 177 days.
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The midfielder would develop into one of Europe's brightest talents, helping the Gunners to the 2004-05 FA Cup title and the 2005-06 Champions League final.