Arsenal hero Paul Merson has defended Cesc Fabregas over his departure from the Gunners.

Following Spain's World Cup win in 2010, he rejoined Barcelona in 2011 for £35m in a switch which upset many Arsenal fans.

“I can understand the reason Cesc Fabregas laid out as to why he left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2011," Merson told Sky Sports of the now Monaco midfielder.

“I don't know too many footballers, who when Barcelona and Real Madrid come calling don't go. Fabregas is an interesting case because he did leave Barcelona as a youngster to go to Arsenal, but he couldn't turn it down when they came calling again.

“I can't think of too many players that could turn it down. You may get a player to wait around another year, but they always end up going in the end, and I had no problem with Fabregas going when he did.

“He'd given his all for the club and the reality is that he could probably see Arsenal were a team in decline, and as I said, I don't know too many professional footballers who could turn down Barcelona."