Cesc Fabregas picks his ultimate Premier League XI including four former Arsenal stars and just two from his other old club Chelsea

Cesc Fabregas has revealed his best Premier League XI, including four former Arsenal stars and just two Chelsea stars. 

Fabregas called time on his illustrious 20-year-long playing career in July 2023 after releasing a statement announcing his retirement on Twitter. 

Fabregas won two Premier League titles, two European Championships, a Champions League title, and a World Cup before retiring.

The former Spanish international - who played for both Arsenal and Chelsea - scored a total of 50 Premier League goals in 350 outings. 

He faced some of the most formidable opponents and has now opened up on exactly who would make his Premier League starting XI.  

When naming his ultimate Premier League side, Fabregas told Mail Sport: 'David Seaman, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Kyle Walker. 

'In the midfield Patrick Viera, Steven Gerrard, Cristiano Ronaldo then either David Silva or Kevin de Bruyne, not sure which.'

He finished by naming: 'Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba'.  

Fabregas also named the toughest opponent he faced when playing in the Premier League when speaking to SPORTbible in April 2024. 

Fabregas credited Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard with being the toughest opponent he had faced during his Premier League days.  

'I always felt he had everything in his locker,' Fabregas said. 'He could dictate play, he could score goals, do assists, make runs in behind. Offensively he was very strong.

'You always felt that when you were coming up against him you had to be at the top of your game otherwise you would be in trouble, because he was very consistent.

'He was always and eight, seven, eight, seven [out of 10]. For me he was a role model and someone, looking back, I really appreciate playing against. I learned a lot from him.'

Fabregas began his career at Barcelona's academy, La Masia, but struggled for first-team opportunities and moved to Arsenal in September 2003. 

It was during his time with the Gunners where Fabregas' skills truly developed, as he quickly became a vital part of Arsene Wenger's side.

During his eight seasons in north London, the Spaniard made 303 appearances and, along the way, earned the club captaincy.

Despite claiming an FA Cup with Arsenal, Fabregas was destined for bigger and better things and, in August 2011, sealed a return to Barcelona. 

For three years, Fabregas played his role within one of football's finest teams which featured the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi all coached by Pep Guardiola.

He made 151 appearances for the Catalan side and picked up a LaLiga, Copa del Rey and two SuperCopas during that time.

It was also around this time where Spain asserted their dominance on the international scene, with Fabregas being a key feature.

During five seasons he made 198 appearances and was an integral role in their title winning sides under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte in 2014-15 and 2016-17.

He left Chelsea in 2019 for Monaco where he spent four years before joining Como - where he finished out his career.

Cesc Fabregas was speaking on behalf of Official UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League partner Enterprise Rent-A-Car as part of the Enterprise ‘Rent-A-Player’ competition in London. Discover more at www.enterprise.co.uk/uel