Asked about the rumous linking him to several European top clubs among which Barcelona (read more here), Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas has said at a press conference that he will decide at the end of the season if he stays with Arsenal or not:
"Every player lives his life in his own way. Every summer one evaluates how the season has been, if he's happy and if he can make progress. But now there are still two months left, I've just recovered from an injury that kept me sidelined for four months and I only have to focus on what I like, which is playing football.
At this moment I'm very happy at Arsenal, I have a big responsibility as captain of the team. If someone wants me, they'll first have to talk with Arsenal. If Wenger would then ask me to stay, I will surely stay. But now I just want to return and, if possible, lift a trophy at the end of the season.
I cannot control what is being said or not said about me, although the truth is that it's an incredible honour that two of the greatest clubs in the history of football, like Barcelona and Real Madrid, are said to be interested in me. Guardiola is and will always be my idol but I'm not closing the door to anyone. I've never done that. Where you have played as a youth player is one thing and my career as professional player is another thing.
When I was young, Barcelona printed a football philosophy in my head that isn't the philosphy of Real Madrid, but at this moment at Arsenal, despite the fact that we like to have ball possession, we play a counter-attack football that is more or less similar to that of Madrid, while at the national team we play more like Barça. That's why I think that I can play at both teams."
Cesc’s father, Francesc Fabregas senior, is meanwhile quoted as commenting on his son's future in an interview with Catalan radio station Onda Cero Catalunya: "Of course, he likes to hear that Barça or Milan or Madrid like him. Anyone would. Any person in a job likes it if another company tells them they are fans and that they would like them to join their company.
Cesc can adapt to wherever he plays. He loves to play football and I am sure that he could fit in at any club. We are all Barca fans in the family, but everyone must understand that we are with Arsenal. At this moment, he is happy and enjoying himself there. The club values him highly.
The only thing that I can say about Florentino Pérez is that four years ago he came to us and we said 'no'. There was a lot of money on the table and we said 'no'. We felt that it was not the best moment for Cesc to move. He has to think of himself and it is not all about money."
Read more:
Cesc rejects Madrid because of Barça dream
Do we buy? Fabregas.
Aguero, Cesc and Asenjo could join this summer
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Cesc will make decision at the end of the season
International: Pique match winner for Spain
Barcelona central defender Gerard Piqué, who made his debut with Spain in an official game, scored in the 60th minute his team's only goal in the 1-0 win over Turkey. He played the whole game, just like Barcelona midfielder Xavi. Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets wasn't part of the match squad, whil Barcelona central defender Carles Puyol and Barcelona attacker Andrés Iniesta were not available due to injuries.
1. Spain (5) 15
2. Bosnia-Herzegovina (5) 9
3. Turkey (5) 8
4. Belgium (5) 7
5. Estonia (5) 2
6. Armenia (5) 1
the group winner qualifies for the world cup, the eight best runners-up (nine qualifying groups) will compete in two-legged play-offs for a ticket
France defeated Lithuania 0-1. Barcelona forward Thiery Henry played the whole game and acted as captain of his team. Barcelona left back defender Eric Abidal wasn't available due to an injury.
1. Serbia (5) 12
2. Lithuania (5) 9
3. France (4) 7
4. Austria (4) 4
5. Romania (4) 4
6. Faroe Islands (4) 1
the group winner qualifies for the world cup, the eight best runners-up (nine qualifying groups) will compete in two-legged play-offs for a ticket
Inter wants to include Adriano in Eto'o deal
Italian sports paper Il Corriere Dello Sport claims that Inter Milan is preparing a bid for Barcelona forward and Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o (28) at the end of the season.
To lower the expected asking price of 35-40 million euro°, Inter would be considering to include Inter Milan forward Adriano (27) in the deal and offer Barcelona a transfer fee of 20-25 million euro° plus the Brazilian striker.
Read more:
Ronaldinho and Adriano: The trouble kids exchange
Maxwell could be included in Eto’o deal
Inter and Juventus rival for Deco
Saturday, 28 March 2009
Barcelona won't sign a new goalkeeper
Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona doesn't plan to buy a new goalkeeper in the summer and could stick with the three current goalkeepers.
Barcelona second goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto (33) has a contract for one more season, although both parties can put an end to it this summer. Barcelona nor the player would want that. Asked about his future, Pinto said in an interview with Catalan radio station RAC 1 that he plans to continue: "If they don't tell me the opposite, I see myself staying until 2010."
Barcelona third goalkeeper Albert Jorquera (30), whose contract expires in the summer of 2010, could also stay if it depends on the club. Barcelona would nevertheless be willing to let the Catalan go if he asks to leave. If Jorquera won't continue, he will most probably be replaced by Barcelona Atlètic goalkeeper and Spanish youth international Rubén Miño (20).
Read more:
Pinto is music producer in his free time
Barcelona sounds out Juventus goalkeeper Buffon
Jorquera is looking for a club in Spain
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