Barcelona claim Cesc Fabregas' influence faded in the later stages of a season

Falling short? Barcelona claim Cesc Fabregas' influence faded in the later stages of a season

+4

Finding his feet: Fabregas scores against Santos during a friendly game in 2013

'For some reason, he was never as good in the second half of a season as in the first.'

Fabregas' Spanish team-mate Xavi, however, was more positive about the 27-year-old. 

He said: 'Its great news for him. I have seen him andhe is looking very happy. He will be an important loss for Barcelona but I know it is what he wanted. He is my friend and I wish him well.'

Xavi also responded to suggestions that Spain need to change the way they play football if the want to triump at the World Cup. 

He added: 'We will play the same way. We are going to win or die with this style of football.' 

Despite admitting Fabregas' goal return was an 'impressive tally for a midfielder', Barcelona suggest this was down to the fact that he mainly played 'in the "false centre forward" role.'

A statement on the club's official website said: 'Despite glowing starts to each campaign, Cesc's contributions to the cause gradually decreased as each season drew to a close. 

'From being someone who joined in with the attack, supplying and scoring goals, the magic tended to fade later on in each season. He only scored one, six and one goals in the last 24 games of each season.

• Cesc Fabregas signs for Chelsea in £30m transfer and will wear No 4 shirt for Blues
• Cesc Fabregas had a feud with Frank Lampard and was more concerned about celery than John Terry's life-threatening injury... Are Chelsea fans about to welcome the on-field equivalent of Rafa Benitez?
• MARTIN SAMUEL: Frank Lampard is a tough act for Chelsea target Cesc Fabregas to follow... he changed English football with his goals from midfield
• Chelsea targets Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa in training for Spain as strong crowd turns out in force for the World Cup holders
• Juan Mata hoping Spain can summon spirit of 2010 World Cup win to keep their crown in Brazil

Share or comment on this article