As captain of Arsenal, Spanish footballer Cesc Fabregas is feeling the pressure on the pitch.
But it appears it’s not only his game causing him stress at the moment after he ended his relationship with childhood sweetheart Carla Garcia.
The 23-year-old midfielder and brunette PR Garcia, 24, have decided to part ways after seven years together.
Childhood sweethearts Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and now ex-girlfriend Carla Garcia at an Arsenal Christmas ball five months ago
His father Francesc explained his son was ’cut up’ over the split, but made the brave decision after their relationship simply ran its course.
He said: ’The decision to end the relationship was more his than Carla’s.
’It’s a shame. They had been together for a long time and she was a lovely girl.
’But Cesc wants to be on his own. He preferred to end things before there were children or things like that.’
The couple fell in love as teenagers back in their native Spain and were a couple when the 16-year-old Cesc was signed by Arsenal from Barcelona.
Cesc Fabregas on the pitch at last weekend’s game against the Bolton Wanderers
A friend of the couple told The Sun: ’They were perfect for each other.
’All his friends were convinced it was just a matter of time before they walked down the aisle. Despite the break-up being amicable, Cesc has been pretty cut up about it.
’They had been together more than seven years and were childhood sweethearts.’
The split comes amid transfer rumours that Barcelona are hoping to win him back.
Fabregas is expected to play today when Arsenal face Manchester United.
Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger admitted Fabregas is feeling the pressure as the North London team are yet to claim any silverware this season.
He said: ’Maybe this season has been a bit of a heavy burden for Cesc, he puts too much pressure on himself.
’It’s too much pressure for someone his age. But he is captain and [Robin] van Persie is vice-captain so they put a lot of pressure on themselves. It’s all self-inflicted. Cesc is a winner. He wants to win, he is desperate to win. And of course when it does not work, he is frustrated.’