Jose Mourinho on convincing Cesc Fabregas to join Chelsea: 'Good projects end with titles'

No buildup to a Premier League fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea would be complete without some talk of Cesc Fabregas.

Of course, Fabregas - who joined Arsenal at the age of 16 in 2003 - arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer after Arsene Wenger's side waived first refusal to re-sign the Spanish midfielder.

With the two clubs set to renew their rivalry Sunday in a match that many are viewing as Arsenal's last glimmer of hope in the title race, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was asked about how he had convinced Fabregas to join his side ahead of the season.

Of course, Mourinho's response involved a sly jab at the North London club.

"I just promised him we'd build a team very adapted to his style of play," Mourinho said, according to the Guardian. "That he was going to be an important player in our project. And that, normally, good projects end with titles. He was looking for that. That's all I can say."

Mourinho also claimed that he isn't worried about the hostile reception Fabregas is set to receive at the Emirates Stadium, pointing to how Frank Lampard coped with the atmosphere upon returning to Stamford Bridge as a Manchester City player.

"I'm not worried about that," Mourinho said. "Frank Lampard played at Stamford Bridge without any kind of problem and with a good reception. I don't see a reason for Fabregas not to have the same at the Emirates. 

"But, if he has some bad reactions, I think he's one of the players who is more than ready. He played in Barcelona with an Arsenal shirt. Why can't he play at the Emirates with a Chelsea shirt? No problem."

When Chelsea defeated Arsenal 2-0 earlier in the season, it was Fabregas who assisted his side's second goal.