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5 months ago
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Cesc Fabregas has revealed the one match in his career where he was told not to celebrate amid fears of fan trouble.
Prior to hanging up his boots in 2023, Fabregas enjoyed a successful playing career at the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and Monaco.
The Spaniard is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, after his faultless performances on the pitch that saw him rack up over 125 career goals.
However, the Como assistant manager has now revealed the one fixture where he was told not to celebrate - but did it anyway!
During an appearance on the Planet Premier League podcast, Fabregas was joined by former QPR defender Nedum Onuoha where they reflected on their match-up in the west London derby.
Cesc Fabregas revealed the one match in his playing career which he was told not to celebrate
Recalling the match in 2015, Fabregas said: 'Yeah, I scored the winner! Nedum, you played that game?'.
Onuoha jokingly replied: 'I don't remember Cesc! I've got a really bad memory'.
Fabregas quickly responded: 'You were the one that I nutmegged when I shot! They told me, if you score don't celebrate. But it was such a big goal that I couldn't hold it.
He finished by saying: 'I just had to go in the corner and celebrate in front of the fans!'.
The match ended 1-0 with Fabregas' 88th-minute strike proving decisive in the clash at Loftus Road.
As Fabregas explained, it was a huge goal for Chelsea as it helped them on their way to claiming the 2013-14 Premier League title.
However, during the goal celebrations, Fabregas' team-mate Branislav Ivanovic was hit on the head by a lighter thrown by a fan from the home crowd.
At-the-time QPR manager Chris Ramsey condemned the behaviour. ‘We don’t want any objects thrown on the pitch,’ he said. ‘Hostilities between fans can go too far. If that’s the case, we’ll encourage them not to come back.’
Fabregas revealed the match in question was the west London derby clash in 2014-15
During the celebrations at Loftus Road, Branislav Ivanovic (middle) was struck by a projectile
Meanwhile, Chelsea's Jose Mourinho refused to be drawn into the controversy. ‘The game was correct. Correct on the pitch, correct in the stands. Hopefully correct outside,’ he said.
‘If somebody throws a pound, put the pound in your pocket and go. If it’s a chocolate, eat it. No problem.
‘It’s not easy, because emotionally it’s a big game for them and us. The referee also helped, a very stable man who solves, not creates, problems in the game.’
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