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The League Paper

YOU HAVE TO WEIGH UP THE MILES ON THE CLOCK

IT’S not the years, honey. It’s the mileage. As Cesc Fabregas shuffles into semi-retirement at Monaco, you can almost imagine him mouthing Harrison Ford’s famous line from Indiana Jones.
Historically, clubs have always factored a player’s age into his value. Under Arsene Wenger, Arsenal famously refused to offer anyone over 30 more than a one-year extension.
Yet as the decline of Fabregas demonstrates, a more sensible way to assess longevity is to allot every footballer 15 peak years before wear and tear take their toll.
The Spaniard made his Arsenal debut at 16 and ...

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