Cesc Fabregas’ departure from Arsenal a bigger loss than Robin van Persie

EPL: Jack Wilshere admits he was upset when former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas departed for Barcelona.

The England midfielder believes the Gunners felt the loss of Fabregas more keenly than the departure of Robin Van Persie, even though the Holland striker’s goals secured the Premier League title for Manchester United last term.

Fabregas left the Emirates for the Nou Camp in 2011 but Wilshere is confident club-record signing Mesut Ozil is the man to fill the void.

‘The one I was really upset about leaving was Fabregas,’ said the 21-year-old. ‘I learned so much from watching him.

‘I was most upset about him leaving. But I’m excited about Ozil, he’s settled in nicely.

‘He plays the Arsenal way and I think there’s a lot more to come from him.’

The Arsenal playmaker also hailed boss Arsene Wenger’s influence in his blossoming career.

‘He’s been the main person in my career,’ said Wilshere. ‘He gave me a chance when I was 16.

‘He gave me special care, put his arm around me, he picked me out and gave me the chance to train with the first team every day and that helped my career massively, just learning from the way they play.

‘Sending me on loan to Bolton, learning to play the Premier League way, that was important too.

‘Some games I didn’t play well but he still stuck with me when I made mistakes. If you make mistakes he sticks with you, and that’s huge.’

Metro