Cesc Fàbregas admits he is drawn to boyhood club Barcelona, but that his commitment to Arsenal is not something he can simply disregard.
The Gunners skipper has become embroiled in a long-running transfer saga which has dragged on all summer, and shows no sign of dying down.
Barcelona have made it clear that they want to return Fàbregas to his Catalan roots, but Arsenal are reluctant to part with their talismanic captain, who has five years left on his contract.
And Fàbregas has revealed in an interview with DIR Emotions magazine some of the personal battles he has faced this summer.
He said: "I am from Barcelona, I'm a club member, along with my grandfather, my uncle, my cousin... I have felt the colours from a young age. I am Catalan, I am from Arenys, I have come through the Barça youth system.
"However, I am Arsenal’s captain. I am a Gunner and that is where I have made myself as a player and matured as a person."
Fàbregas, brought to north London as a 15-year-old from Barça’s youth academy, has been transformed by Arsène Wenger into one of the biggest young talents in world football and he admits to a strong bond with his French boss.
The 23-year-old added: "He is a second father for me, the most important person in my life after my father. He has behaved really well with me and taken me in like a son. I am part of his family.
"He doesn't want me to leave. And in my last conversation with him in London, it was one of the most difficult moments I have experienced. I ended up very upset."
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The Gunners skipper has become embroiled in a long-running transfer saga which has dragged on all summer, and shows no sign of dying down.
Barcelona have made it clear that they want to return Fàbregas to his Catalan roots, but Arsenal are reluctant to part with their talismanic captain, who has five years left on his contract.
And Fàbregas has revealed in an interview with DIR Emotions magazine some of the personal battles he has faced this summer.
He said: "I am from Barcelona, I'm a club member, along with my grandfather, my uncle, my cousin... I have felt the colours from a young age. I am Catalan, I am from Arenys, I have come through the Barça youth system.
"However, I am Arsenal’s captain. I am a Gunner and that is where I have made myself as a player and matured as a person."
Fàbregas, brought to north London as a 15-year-old from Barça’s youth academy, has been transformed by Arsène Wenger into one of the biggest young talents in world football and he admits to a strong bond with his French boss.
The 23-year-old added: "He is a second father for me, the most important person in my life after my father. He has behaved really well with me and taken me in like a son. I am part of his family.
"He doesn't want me to leave. And in my last conversation with him in London, it was one of the most difficult moments I have experienced. I ended up very upset."
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Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
- Puyol accuses Arsenal of not showing respect to Fàbregas
- Arsène Wenger's fury over Cesc Fábregas saga
- Cesc Fábregas on verge of Arsenal stay
- Messi & Busquets wants Fàbregas deal
- Andrés Iniesta wants Barcelona to bring Cesc Fàbregas home
- Fàbregas will certainly leave Arsenal, says Martin Keown
- Arsenal 'resolutely reject' Barcelona's bid for Cesc Fábregas
- Barcelona make first bid to sign Cesc Fàbregas
- Cesc Fábregas' future in the hands of Arsène Wenger
- Fàbregas will stay with Arsenal - Robert Pires
- Former Arsenal manager blasts Cesc Fàbregas
- Cesc Fábregas nears Barcelona return?
- Joan Laporta: Cesc Fàbregas has Barcelona DNA
- Piqué: Cesc will end up wearing Barcelona shirt
