Barcelona Criticised for Forcing Cesc Fabregas to Leave for Chelsea

Cristian Tello has criticised the manner in which Cesc Fabregas was treated by Barcelona during his move to Chelsea in the summer.

Former Arsenal skipper Fabregas returned to England after three years to join Jose Mourinho's side and has played an integral role in helping the Blues take early control of the Premier League.

The Spain international left Barcelona as a 16-year-old to join Arsenal but made no secret of his wish to return to the Nou Camp, achieving that dream in 2011.

While his return to Barcelona was celebrated, Fabregas failed to reach the heights he did in the Premier League upon his return to Catalonia. Manchester United desperately tried to sign him during the summer of 2013, but while former manager Gerardo Martino sought to retain the player then, Barcelona showed little resistance when Chelsea approached them with an offer.

"Cesc didn't leave the club as he deserved," Tello, who left Barcelona to join Porto on a two-year loan deal in the summer, was quoted as saying by Sport.

"He left through the back door. He was a spectacular player, you only have to see the goals and assists from his time at Barca.

"I suppose he will be hurting because his dream was to triumph at Barcelona."

Fabregas has enjoyed a seamless re-adaption to English football, having been credited with seven assists in his seven league appearances for the Blues.

Arsenal had first option to re-sign the Spaniard after Barcelona made it clear they would listen to offers, only for Arsene Wenger to reject the chance having signed Mesut Ozil for £42.5m last summer.

But despite the 27-year-old's sensational form, the Gunners boss insists he does not regret his decision not to offer his former player a deal.

"I don't regret not taking Cesc because we already had a lot of creative players in our midfield," Wenegr told beIN Sports.