Fabregas challenges Barca to thrive without Messi

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Cesc Fabregas has challenged his Barcelona team-mates to prove they can thrive without Lionel Messi when they face Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Argentina forward Messi injured his thigh in the 2-0 win over Almeria on Saturday and will miss the Group H clash against the Scottish champions as a result.

Former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas acknowledged losing the player widely recognised as the best in the world was a significant blow, but he is adamant a club of Barca's stature should be able to cope with his absence.

"It is a test because we always want him in our team," Fabregas said on Monday. "Obviously Lionel is the best player in the world, I don't even have to say that, and you obviously will miss a player of his talent and dedication.

"We rely on him a lot. He is the best player, the one that scores more goals, the one that does the attacking tasks. He is always there for us, he gives assists, he is the best.

"He can win a game at any moment so we are sad for that but you cannot feel sorry for yourselves because you are missing a great player.

"Without Messi we will have to take more responsibility. I think we all have to step up and make sure that we don't feel his absence, and show we can play great football without him.

"When he is not there we have to adapt the situation and players like Neymar, myself if I play, Alexis Sanchez, Cristian Tello, Pedro Rodriguez; we have to step up and do the job that a striker is made for which is scoring goals and giving assists."

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino also insisted the absence of Messi will not be used as an excuse should his side lose in Glasgow.

"Messi is the best player in the world but we have a great team and his absence cannot be an excuse if we don't get a good result tomorrow night," Martino said.

And Fabregas believes 21-year-old Brazilian striker Neymar could be the one Barcelona player capable of one day reaching the levels of Messi.

"He is a very talented player, very quick and has the skills to get away from you easily," the Spain international said.

"He is already a star but this boy will have a lot to say in the future of football.

"It is up to him. Everything is in his hands.

"He came here to learn, to compete, to fight, to grow up as a player and a person.

"He is still a boy and in the future we will be talking about him as one of the greatest."

Fabregas enjoying senior role as derby looms

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Cesc Fabregas has said he is enjoying his more significant role in the Barcelona side as they look to continue their storming start to the campaign with a win over Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Friday.

Fabregas was involved in all three of Barca's goals as they moved four points clear of Atletico Madrid in second place with a convincing 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Tuesday.

Barca boss Gerardo Martino had taken the opportunity to rest a number of his stars for the game in Galicia as the likes of Neymar, Andres Iniesta and Xavi all started on the bench.

However, Fabregas was retained from the side that beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Saturday and registered his second goal of the season with Barca's third nine minutes into the second-half.

"Right now I am playing a lot of games, I feel important and the only thing that I have to do is play well for the team," he told the club's website.

"These rotations give life to a lot of players and they are making us all feel important."

Martino has been keen to ensure his players don't suffer from burnout in the way they did towards the end of the last campaign when they were hammered 7-0 on aggregate by Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals.

And with Barca in the midst of seven games in 22 days, the Argentine will rotate once more for the visit of Epsanyol.

However, despite the game being sandwiched by a series of other important matches for the hosts, Fabregas doesn't belive the derby will lose any of its importance.

"A derby is always a derby. It will be difficult and we hope to show our best form and win the three points."

Despite much talk of Barcelona's defensive problems, Tuesday night also saw them register their ninth clean sheet in 16 games.

And goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who is the only Barca player to start every game this season, hailed their attitude so far in what, on paper, should be their easier fixtures.

"Winning against Celta is the best possible way to prepare for a derby. We have been reinforced by the Madrid match.

"We have shown how much we want this league and everything depends on winning games like the one on Tuesday and against Espanyol."

Barca could be short of options at left-back as Adriano is a doubt after limping off against Celta with a hamstring strain, whilst Jordi Alba remains sidelined by a thigh injury so right-back Martin Montoya may start in an unfamiliar role.

Otherwise, Martino has a fully-fit squad to choose from with Gerard Pique, Neymar, Xavi and Iniesta all expected to return.

Fabregas happy at 'dream' club Barcelona

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Cesc Fabregas has moved to end speculation about a possible move to Manchester United by insisting he is "very happy" at Barcelona.

David Moyes' side had two bids for the former Arsenal skipper rejected by the Spanish club earlier this summer, while Barca's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta declared at the start of the week that United had given up on trying to sign the Spain international.

Fabregas ruled out a move away from the Nou Camp while at the Confederations Cup in June but kept silent after United made their interest in him official, prompting speculation that he was in favour of a transfer.

But speaking in a press conference, the midfielder said: "Triumphing in Barcelona is what I have been hoping for all my life, it's been my dream since I was a child.

"I am very happy at Barcelona and I haven't spoken to any other club in the last two years."

Fabregas also defended not making a statement on his future in the midst of speculation about United's interest.

"I've been relaxed about it the whole time, I didn't have to clarify anything because the only thing I was thinking about was staying at Barca," he said.

"As I haven't deceived anyone or hidden anything, I told the club's press department that I would speak when it was my turn to speak to the press."

And he insisted there was never any truth in the speculation about him wanting a return to the Premier League.

"Stories have been invented," he said. "I don't know why speculation grew even after Tito (Vilanova, former Barca coach), Zubizarreta, Tata (Gerardo Martino, new Barca coach) and (Barca vice-president Josep) Bartomeu all said they wanted me to stay.

Ankle sprain could keep Fabregas out of opener

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Cesc Fabregas is a doubt for the start of the new La Liga season after spraining his ankle in a 3-1 friendly win against a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur, his club Barcelona said Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who was courted by Manchester United this summer before opting to remain at the Nou Camp, will miss Spain's midweek friendly against Ecuador but could also skip the start of the new season next weekend.

"The tests conducted have confirmed that the player has sprained ligaments on the outside of his right ankle," said Barca in a statement.

Barcelona said they have contacted the Spanish Football Federation with the hope that Fabregas can undergo treatment in the Catalan capital rather than joining up with the national squad, who play Ecuador in Guayaquil on Wednesday.

The club did not reveal how long Fabregas will be out for but local press say he will miss the champions' La Liga clash with Levante next Sunday.

Man United target Fabregas not ready to give up on Barca dream

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Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas slammed the door Thursday on a potential move to Manchester United, insisting the Catalan giants remain his dream club.

The English Premier League champions have so far failed with two bids for Fabregas, who has emerged as their main summer transfer target as new manager David Moyes seeks to inject creativity into his midfield.

The Spanish international told a press conference in Malaysia that "since I was a kid my dream was to play for Barcelona".

"This dream hasn't changed," he said ahead of Saturday's friendly against the Malaysian national side.

His comments echo those of teammate Gerard Pique and Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, who both insisted earlier this week the 26-year-old will stay at the Nou Camp.

Fabregas has failed to nail down a spot in Barca's star-studded midfield, with international teammates Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets ahead of him in the pecking order.

But Barca are reluctant to sell the pint-sized playmaker, especially since the loss of Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich.

Barca enticed Fabregas back from Arsenal with a long-term view to him replacing the 33-year-old Xavi, who is expected to play fewer games in the coming season.

Barcelona return to Asia three years after their last visit to the football-mad continent -- home to a massive fan base and potential revenue.

The tour is a final chance for new manager Gerardo Martino to assess his players in official friendly action before the start of the La Liga season on August 18.

Fabregas also said he was ready to show Martino that he can be a key player for arguably the world's most successful side in recent years.

"I need to work hard and do what he asks of me and I'm ready for the challenge," he said.

The Barcelona team demolished Thailand 7-1 on the first leg of their whistlestop Asian tour on Wednesday.

Pedro, Fabregas back in Barca training

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Spanish international duo Pedro Rodriguez and Cesc Fabregas are expected to be fit for Barcelona's league opener against Levante after taking part in training on Wednesday.

"The two players who were injured on the tour of Asia have taken part in some of the session with the rest of the team," said a statement on Barca's website.

Neither player had travelled with the Spain squad for their friendly with Ecuador in Guayaquil on Wednesday evening.

Pedro was not included in Vicente del Bosque's squad because of a calf injury, while Fabregas was forced to pull out of the travelling party to South America with a sprained right ankle.

Lionel Messi meanwhile could yet face Levante on Sunday as he continued his recovery work from a thigh injury that ruled him out of Argentina's friendly against Italy on Wednesday night.

There was more good news on the injury front for the Catalans as captain Carles Puyol stepped up the intensity of his training following knee surgery to remove a cyst last month.

However, the 35-year-old is not expected to be match fit until the end of September.

Pedro, Fabregas back in Barca training

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Spanish international duo Pedro Rodriguez and Cesc Fabregas are expected to be fit for Barcelona's league opener against Levante after taking part in training on Wednesday.

"The two players who were injured on the tour of Asia have taken part in some of the session with the rest of the team," said a statement on Barca's website.

Neither player had travelled with the Spain squad for their friendly with Ecuador in Guayaquil on Wednesday evening.

Pedro was not included in Vicente del Bosque's squad because of a calf injury, while Fabregas was forced to pull out of the travelling party to South America with a sprained right ankle.

Lionel Messi meanwhile could yet face Levante on Sunday as he continued his recovery work from a thigh injury that ruled him out of Argentina's friendly against Italy on Wednesday night.

There was more good news on the injury front for the Catalans as captain Carles Puyol stepped up the intensity of his training following knee surgery to remove a cyst last month.

However, the 35-year-old is not expected to be match fit until the end of September.

Ankle sprain could keep Fabregas out of opener

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AppId is over the quota

Cesc Fabregas is a doubt for the start of the new La Liga season after spraining his ankle in a 3-1 friendly win against a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur, his club Barcelona said Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who was courted by Manchester United this summer before opting to remain at the Nou Camp, will miss Spain's midweek friendly against Ecuador but could also skip the start of the new season next weekend.

"The tests conducted have confirmed that the player has sprained ligaments on the outside of his right ankle," said Barca in a statement.

Barcelona said they have contacted the Spanish Football Federation with the hope that Fabregas can undergo treatment in the Catalan capital rather than joining up with the national squad, who play Ecuador in Guayaquil on Wednesday.

The club did not reveal how long Fabregas will be out for but local press say he will miss the champions' La Liga clash with Levante next Sunday.

Martino - Fabregas staying at Barca

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Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino says he is no longer worried about the possibility of Cesc Fabregas leaving the club to join Manchester United.

Three days ago the Catalan club's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said he thought David Moyes' side's pursuit of the midfielder was over, after they had two bids turned down.

Zubizarreta's prediction would appear to be vindicated in light of reports that United have turned their attention to signing Marouane Fellaini from Everton instead.

Fabregas started in Barcelona's 7-1 win over Thailand on Wednesday and after the game Martino insisted he was not concerned about the player's future, concerning himself more with the fitness of club captain Carles Puyol, who is still recovering from a knee operation.

"Fabregas is still our player and he will be with us for this season," the Argentinian coach is quoted as telling AS.

"Right now I'm more worried about whether Puyol will recover."

The declining physical state of the 35-year-old Catalan defender has made buying a centre-back one of Barcelona's priorities this summer.

However, with 10 days to go until the new season starts, the Primera Division champions have only made one signing - Brazil forward Neymar.

The club have now reportedly made a £35 million bid for Chelsea centre-back David Luiz, but Martino refused to shed any light on a possible move for the Brazilian.

"I'm in Thailand, I know nothing about any negotiations," he said.

Man United target Fabregas not ready to give up on Barca dream

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Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas slammed the door Thursday on a potential move to Manchester United, insisting the Catalan giants remain his dream club.

The English Premier League champions have so far failed with two bids for Fabregas, who has emerged as their main summer transfer target as new manager David Moyes seeks to inject creativity into his midfield.

The Spanish international told a press conference in Malaysia that "since I was a kid my dream was to play for Barcelona".

"This dream hasn't changed," he said ahead of Saturday's friendly against the Malaysian national side.

His comments echo those of teammate Gerard Pique and Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, who both insisted earlier this week the 26-year-old will stay at the Nou Camp.

Fabregas has failed to nail down a spot in Barca's star-studded midfield, with international teammates Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets ahead of him in the pecking order.

But Barca are reluctant to sell the pint-sized playmaker, especially since the loss of Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich.

Barca enticed Fabregas back from Arsenal with a long-term view to him replacing the 33-year-old Xavi, who is expected to play fewer games in the coming season.

Barcelona return to Asia three years after their last visit to the football-mad continent -- home to a massive fan base and potential revenue.

The tour is a final chance for new manager Gerardo Martino to assess his players in official friendly action before the start of the La Liga season on August 18.

Fabregas also said he was ready to show Martino that he can be a key player for arguably the world's most successful side in recent years.

"I need to work hard and do what he asks of me and I'm ready for the challenge," he said.

The Barcelona team demolished Thailand 7-1 on the first leg of their whistlestop Asian tour on Wednesday.

'Cesc Fabregas brings a lot to Barca', says Dani Alves

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Dani Alves has backed Cesc Fabregas to return to his best for Barcelona this season - if he stays at the Nou Camp.

Manchester United are believed to be tabling a third bid for Fabregas after having two offers rejected, although the Catalan side's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has indicated that the Barclays Premier League champions have now given up their pursuit of the former Arsenal captain.

Alves and his Barca team-mates hold the midfielder in a high regard, and the Brazil wing-back would be 'delighted' if the 26-year-old chose to remain with the Primera Division champions.

In an extensive and outspoken interview with Catalan radio station Rac1, Alves spoke about Fabregas while also discussing Thiago Alcantara, who left Barcelona - his boyhood club - earlier this summer to join former coach Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.

"I think that Thiago hurried a little, but I like that attitude because the worst thing you can do is remain comfortable," Alves said of the 23-year-old.

However, he said it was wrong to compare Thiago to Fabregas, who left Barca for Arsenal aged 16 only to return aged 24 after seven campaigns with the Gunners.

Alves explained: "Cesc's is a different case. He has already left here once. He left the club, made a name for himself and then returned. He wasn't at his best at the end of last season but we were all the same.

"Football is a collective sport and you cannot look for scapegoats. If he decides to stay here, I'll be delighted to continue having him as a team-mate. The squad respects him a lot."

He added: "It's up to him what he does, but I think he can bring a lot to this side. The team needs players of Cesc's quality to win trophies."

Alves also risked the wrath of the Barcelona board by declaring his bewilderment at the club's decision to release Eric Abidal at the end of last season.

Fabregas happy at 'dream' club Barcelona

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Cesc Fabregas has moved to end speculation about a possible move to Manchester United by insisting he is "very happy" at Barcelona.

David Moyes' side had two bids for the former Arsenal skipper rejected by the Spanish club earlier this summer, while Barca's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta declared at the start of the week that United had given up on trying to sign the Spain international.

Fabregas ruled out a move away from the Nou Camp while at the Confederations Cup in June but kept silent after United made their interest in him official, prompting speculation that he was in favour of a transfer.

But speaking in a press conference, the midfielder said: "Triumphing in Barcelona is what I have been hoping for all my life, it's been my dream since I was a child.

"I am very happy at Barcelona and I haven't spoken to any other club in the last two years."

Fabregas also defended not making a statement on his future in the midst of speculation about United's interest.

"I've been relaxed about it the whole time, I didn't have to clarify anything because the only thing I was thinking about was staying at Barca," he said.

"As I haven't deceived anyone or hidden anything, I told the club's press department that I would speak when it was my turn to speak to the press."

And he insisted there was never any truth in the speculation about him wanting a return to the Premier League.

"Stories have been invented," he said. "I don't know why speculation grew even after Tito (Vilanova, former Barca coach), Zubizarreta, Tata (Gerardo Martino, new Barca coach) and (Barca vice-president Josep) Bartomeu all said they wanted me to stay.

Dúo de barca confiado sobre Fabregas

Gerard Piqué y Andrés Iniesta han declarado que su compañero Cesc Fabregas no está a punto de unirse a Manchester United y están convencidos de que se quedará en Barcelona.

Lado de David Moyes ha tenido dos ofertas rechazadas por Fábregas, y el domingo Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta reveló que representantes de los campeones de la Barclays Premier League le habían informado que habían rendido en su búsqueda de los 26 años de edad.

Hablando durante la visita de dos días del club a Israel, Zubizarreta declaró: "nos dijeron que comprenden nuestra posición y han confirmado que se están retirando de sus intentos por firmar Cesc."

La escuadra del Barcelona llegaron a Tailandia el lunes por la mañana y aunque aún debe hacer cualquier comentario sobre su futuro ya que las ofertas se hicieron Fabregas, el mensaje de sus compañeros era claro.

"Ser un jugador tan bueno como es, es normal que los clubes hará ofertas por él, pero siempre me ha dicho que quiere quedarse en el Barcelona y el triunfo," Piqué dijo en una conferencia de prensa, citado en el deporte.

El defensor agregado: "siempre ha sido su sueño y estoy muy contento de que se va a quedar. Creo que nunca ha estado en duda".

Iniesta reiteró comentarios de piqué, subrayando la importancia de Fabregas para el futuro del equipo.

"Es indispensable, como todos los demás en el equipo," dijo el mediocampista.

"Es fundamental para este equipo, ha actuado muy bien para nosotros hasta ahora y va a hacer la misma estación próxima."

Barcelona han hecho una firma este verano, traer a Neymar en el Nou Camp de Santos por 57million euros.

Fabregas future on Martino agenda

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The future of Manchester United target Cesc Fabregas will be among the priority issues for new Barcelona head coach Gerardo Martino.

Barcelona confirmed they have struck an agreement for Martino to take over at the Nou Camp on a two-year deal.

The 50-year-old Argentinian succeeds Tito Vilanova, who stepped down from the role on Friday after one season in charge as he continues his battle with cancer.

It is not yet known when Martino will begin work at the Nou Camp, but it seems likely the transfer saga surrounding Fabregas will still be rumbling on with United reluctant to throw in the towel.

United have already made two bids for the former Arsenal captain but, with Barcelona continuing to insist the Spain midfielder is not for sale, the Red Devils could return with a third offer.

Fabregas was not on the agenda as Martino held a press conference in Rosario where he admitted Barcelona's interest had come out of the blue.

The former Paraguay coach also believes fellow Argentinian Lionel Messi had a say in his appointment.

Both Martino and Messi are from the Rosario region of Argentina and the four-time Ballon d'Or winner has spoken in glowing terms about his compatriot in the past.

Martino suspects Messi put in a good word for him with the Barcelona hierarchy.

"I don't know the details of the situation, (but) I have no doubts that Messi spoke with the club directors. I'm sure that Jorge (Messi's father) and Leo have had some weight in this decision,'' said Martino, who is looking forward to working with the world's top player.

No offers yet for transfer from Barcelona says Cesc Fabregas

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Cesc Fabregas has reiterated that he has not received any offers from any clubs to tempt him away from Barcelona.

The former Arsenal man has been linked with a return to the Barclays Premier League following a difficult season with the Catalans last term, with Manchester United believed to be keen to take him to Old Trafford so he can join up with his former Gunners team-mate Robin van Persie.

But, during an interview with Movistar, Fabregas insisted: "People talk a lot but the truth is that no-one has spoken with me. I want to triumph in Barcelona, that club is my home and I always dreamed of playing there, so I will try and succeed there as long as I can."

Next year Fabregas will be playing alongside new signing Neymar, who joined Barcelona earlier this month.

The Spaniard believes the Brazilian has the capabilities to light up the Nou Camp but said he must be given time to bed in after moving club, league and country.

"Neymar will need time to adapt because he is coming from a completely different type of football from what he will find here. We need to help him settle in and grow so that he can give us great nights," said Fabregas.

He also dismissed talk that there could be a clash of egos between Neymar and Leo Messi.

"The egos are very controlled in the team," he said. "Messi has won the Ballon d'Or four times and is probably the best player of all time but when you see him every morning he doesn't seem like it."

Although Neymar cost Barcelona an estimated 57million euros, Fabregas raised alarm at the possibility of the club's biggest rivals Real Madrid spending 100million to buy Gareth Bale from Tottenham.

"For me spending 100million on Gareth Bale is foolish, I don't know how any club could spend that amount of money in these circumstances," he said. "He is a great player with all the right attributes, but we will have to see if Madrid sign him and if he can perform there."

Fabregas denies move from Barca

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AppId is over the quota

Barcelona playmaker Cesc Fabregas has described speculation linking him with a move away from the Nou Camp as "absurd".

Fabregas has been in and out of the Barca first team following his return to the Catalan club from Arsenal in 2011 and that has led to reports that several Barclays Premier League clubs might try and tempt the Spain international back to England this summer.

However, the 26-year-old has been keen to stress he sees his future at Barca and re-iterated that stance in an interview with Marca, as he said: "If someone says anything that isn't that I want to play at Barca, it's completely absurd."

He added: "I've always said that I'm happy at Barca. Whoever says that I'm leaving doesn't know me and has never spoken with me nor with my agent, because he knows that I don't want him to talk with other people about me.

"I'm very private and I don't even talk about these things with my family."

No offers yet for transfer from Barcelona says Cesc Fabregas

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AppId is over the quota

Cesc Fabregas has reiterated that he has not received any offers from any clubs to tempt him away from Barcelona.

The former Arsenal man has been linked with a return to the Barclays Premier League following a difficult season with the Catalans last term, with Manchester United believed to be keen to take him to Old Trafford so he can join up with his former Gunners team-mate Robin van Persie.

But, during an interview with Movistar, Fabregas insisted: "People talk a lot but the truth is that no-one has spoken with me. I want to triumph in Barcelona, that club is my home and I always dreamed of playing there, so I will try and succeed there as long as I can."

Next year Fabregas will be playing alongside new signing Neymar, who joined Barcelona earlier this month.

The Spaniard believes the Brazilian has the capabilities to light up the Nou Camp but said he must be given time to bed in after moving club, league and country.

"Neymar will need time to adapt because he is coming from a completely different type of football from what he will find here. We need to help him settle in and grow so that he can give us great nights," said Fabregas.

He also dismissed talk that there could be a clash of egos between Neymar and Leo Messi.

"The egos are very controlled in the team," he said. "Messi has won the Ballon d'Or four times and is probably the best player of all time but when you see him every morning he doesn't seem like it."

Although Neymar cost Barcelona an estimated 57million euros, Fabregas raised alarm at the possibility of the club's biggest rivals Real Madrid spending 100million to buy Gareth Bale from Tottenham.

"For me spending 100million on Gareth Bale is foolish, I don't know how any club could spend that amount of money in these circumstances," he said. "He is a great player with all the right attributes, but we will have to see if Madrid sign him and if he can perform there."

Fabregas denies move from Barca

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AppId is over the quota

Barcelona playmaker Cesc Fabregas has described speculation linking him with a move away from the Nou Camp as "absurd".

Fabregas has been in and out of the Barca first team following his return to the Catalan club from Arsenal in 2011 and that has led to reports that several Barclays Premier League clubs might try and tempt the Spain international back to England this summer.

However, the 26-year-old has been keen to stress he sees his future at Barca and re-iterated that stance in an interview with Marca, as he said: "If someone says anything that isn't that I want to play at Barca, it's completely absurd."

He added: "I've always said that I'm happy at Barca. Whoever says that I'm leaving doesn't know me and has never spoken with me nor with my agent, because he knows that I don't want him to talk with other people about me.

"I'm very private and I don't even talk about these things with my family."

No offers yet for transfer from Barcelona says Cesc Fabregas

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AppId is over the quota

Cesc Fabregas has reiterated that he has not received any offers from any clubs to tempt him away from Barcelona.

The former Arsenal man has been linked with a return to the Barclays Premier League following a difficult season with the Catalans last term, with Manchester United believed to be keen to take him to Old Trafford so he can join up with his former Gunners team-mate Robin van Persie.

But, during an interview with Movistar, Fabregas insisted: "People talk a lot but the truth is that no-one has spoken with me. I want to triumph in Barcelona, that club is my home and I always dreamed of playing there, so I will try and succeed there as long as I can."

Next year Fabregas will be playing alongside new signing Neymar, who joined Barcelona earlier this month.

The Spaniard believes the Brazilian has the capabilities to light up the Nou Camp but said he must be given time to bed in after moving club, league and country.

"Neymar will need time to adapt because he is coming from a completely different type of football from what he will find here. We need to help him settle in and grow so that he can give us great nights," said Fabregas.

He also dismissed talk that there could be a clash of egos between Neymar and Leo Messi.

"The egos are very controlled in the team," he said. "Messi has won the Ballon d'Or four times and is probably the best player of all time but when you see him every morning he doesn't seem like it."

Although Neymar cost Barcelona an estimated 57million euros, Fabregas raised alarm at the possibility of the club's biggest rivals Real Madrid spending 100million to buy Gareth Bale from Tottenham.

"For me spending 100million on Gareth Bale is foolish, I don't know how any club could spend that amount of money in these circumstances," he said. "He is a great player with all the right attributes, but we will have to see if Madrid sign him and if he can perform there."

Fabregas denies move from Barca

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AppId is over the quota

Barcelona playmaker Cesc Fabregas has described speculation linking him with a move away from the Nou Camp as "absurd".

Fabregas has been in and out of the Barca first team following his return to the Catalan club from Arsenal in 2011 and that has led to reports that several Barclays Premier League clubs might try and tempt the Spain international back to England this summer.

However, the 26-year-old has been keen to stress he sees his future at Barca and re-iterated that stance in an interview with Marca, as he said: "If someone says anything that isn't that I want to play at Barca, it's completely absurd."

He added: "I've always said that I'm happy at Barca. Whoever says that I'm leaving doesn't know me and has never spoken with me nor with my agent, because he knows that I don't want him to talk with other people about me.

"I'm very private and I don't even talk about these things with my family."