Monaco midfielder Cesc slams Arsenal axing Cagigao: He made them millions | OneFootball

AS Monaco midfielder Cesc Fabregas says Arsenal will regret axing chief scout Francis Cagigao.

Cagigao is set to leave Arsenal after 23 years involved as a scout at various levels as part of 55 redundancies planned by management. Cagigao is also a former Gunners player, having won the FA Youth Cup and playing for Spain at youth level before leaving for Barcelona B.

In his time as a scout with the club, Cagigao spotted Cesc as a teenager at Barcelona ahead of bringing the Spaniard to Arsenal. Cesc would go onto captain Arsenal before choosing to return to Barca.

Upon learning of Arsenal's decision, Cesc first posted to social media: "Thank you for the more than 24 years of devotion, respect, dedication and love that you gave to Arsenal. Nothing would have been the same for me if you had not seen me at 15, like so many others.

"I wish you all the best for the future, your next team will be very lucky to have your amazing football brain at their disposal."

Later, speaking with Marca, Cesc went onto to expand what impact Cagigao's influence had had on his career. The midfielder also highlighted how valuable the work of the Londoner had been for Arsenal - both on and off the pitch.

Cesc declared: "In addition to those who made the decisions at that time (Arsene Wenger and company), he told me that he had come to see me in many, many games (about 50) with Barça and laid the first stone for me to arrive at Arsenal. I am grateful to him.

"For Arsenal he has had a huge importance. He has helped the club earn a lot of money and titles. Nobody sees what he does but it is a very important job for the club. He is one of those people who spends days and months watching players outside of home, without being with his family, to be able to incorporate great footballers.

"His influence has been very important."

Cesc added that he believes Cagigao's departure would not occur "at 1000%" if Arsene Wenger were still with the club.

- updated August 10