Cesc Fabregas is only an Arsenal legend and not a Chelsea legend, John Barnes claims

John Barnes has dismissed Cesc Fabregas’ time at Chelsea by saying he is not one of their legends.

Fabregas left the Stamford Bridge pitch in tears as he bid an emotional farewell to the Blues during Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder, who is expected to join Monaco, was handed a rare start by Maurizio Sarri and also captained the side.

Despite a first-half penalty miss, Chelsea supporters gave Fabregas a deserved standing ovation when he was taken off with five minutes remaining.

He departs Stamford Bridge having won the Premier League twice, an FA Cup and an EFL Cup during his four years with Chelsea; in total, he made 197 appearances for the Blues.

But Liverpool legend Barnes, speaking with former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson on beIN SPORTS, believes Fabregas will be remembered more for his time at Arsenal.

“He’s been a very, very important player to his country over the years, [and] to Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea,” Robinson said, as quoted by the Express. “It’s not a bad CV that he’s got.”

Barnes replied: “He’s an Arsenal player, he’s an Arsenal legend. He’s not a Chelsea legend.

“He’s been there four years, he hasn’t stamped his authority in terms of playing week in week out.

“Yes it’s great that he’s leaving.

“I don’t know if that’s a goodbye to the Premier League or necessarily to Chelsea because, for me, Fabregas’ career is an Arsenal one as far as I’m concerned.”

While Barnes may have doubted Fabregas’ impact at Chelsea, David Luiz praised the Spaniard.

“I think Cesc is one of the best players to have played in England for many, many years,” he told talkSPORT.

“It was emotional, not just for him, but for everybody.

“Maybe he is not going to play for Chelsea anymore so we are sad, but we wish him all the best because he is a great character and a great player and we will miss him. “It’s always hard, but it’s always part of the process.”