Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has remained philosophical about losing Cesc Fabregas to Arsenal.
The young midfielder was on the books at Camp Nou but decided to up sticks and join The Gunners in the summer of 2003, much to the chagrin of the Catalan giants.
He has since gone on to become a first-team regular at Highbury and established his reputation across Europe with a sublime display in Tuesday's memorable 2-0 win over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
Barca and arch rivals Real Madrid are both reported to be keeping a very close eye on his progress in England, but it now appears he will be part of the scenery in North London for many years to come.
Barca coach Rijkaard concedes that his loss at such a young age was disappointing, but insists he does not begrudge the teenager the success he is currently enjoying.
"You have to look at it two ways," the Dutchman told Sport. "Firstly it's a shame not to have him as he was in our youth set-up. But on the other hand, you have to accept he must have had his reasons for looking for an adventure elsewhere.
"It's not the ideal situation between the clubs to take youth players, but that's how the market is.
"Hopefully Cesc can keep playing at the level he is, but you have to think that if he had stayed here he might not have reached the first team.
"One thing is for sure, he has progressed very well at Arsenal."
The young midfielder was on the books at Camp Nou but decided to up sticks and join The Gunners in the summer of 2003, much to the chagrin of the Catalan giants.
He has since gone on to become a first-team regular at Highbury and established his reputation across Europe with a sublime display in Tuesday's memorable 2-0 win over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
Barca and arch rivals Real Madrid are both reported to be keeping a very close eye on his progress in England, but it now appears he will be part of the scenery in North London for many years to come.
Barca coach Rijkaard concedes that his loss at such a young age was disappointing, but insists he does not begrudge the teenager the success he is currently enjoying.
"You have to look at it two ways," the Dutchman told Sport. "Firstly it's a shame not to have him as he was in our youth set-up. But on the other hand, you have to accept he must have had his reasons for looking for an adventure elsewhere.
"It's not the ideal situation between the clubs to take youth players, but that's how the market is.
"Hopefully Cesc can keep playing at the level he is, but you have to think that if he had stayed here he might not have reached the first team.
"One thing is for sure, he has progressed very well at Arsenal."
