Spain’s Cesc Fabregas says unless his club future is sorted out quickly it could prove a damaging distraction at the World Cup.
But the Arsenal star says he is in no rush to leave the Gunners for Barcelona.
The midfielder was in the youth ranks at Barcelona before transferring to Arsenal at the age of 16 and he has often been linked with a move back to the Primera Division leaders.
Reports suggest he could be the subject of an offer this summer as Barcelona prepare for their presidential elections at the end of the season.
Fabregas readily admits that he does want to play for Barca at some point in his career, but is adamant he is not pushing for a move away from Arsenal.
However, the 23-year-old is keen to ensure any uncertainty regarding his club future is put to bed before Spain start their World Cup challenge in South Africa. They are 4/1 favourites to lift the trophy.
“I want to make a decision about my future before the World Cup,” said Fabregas, who expects to recover from a cracked fibula in time to be fit for the tournament.
“It’s impossible to perform at a tournament such as the World Cup if you’re not fully focused on the sporting aspects of the game. It does not benefit anyone.
“If I ever leave Arsenal it will be to play for Barcelona. I would like to go, whether they want me or not is another matter.
“I am 23 years old and I have a long career in front of me. I’ve never hidden the fact that playing for Barcelona is a dream that I would like to fulfil.
“I’m very happy at Arsenal. I’m in no hurry to leave the club.
“Barcelona are still playing for the Liga title and I’m still an Arsenal player. It would be a lack of respect to discuss a transfer now.
“No candidates for the Barcelona presidency have approached me, so I don’t feel used.”
Fabregas has been part of the Spanish set up since playing in the Under-17 side at the 2003 World U-17 Championships in Finland, and he was given a national call-up in 2006.
He played in the 2006 World Cup and at Euro 2008 where he helped Spain to lift the trophy. Fabregas was named in the Team of the Tournament, a 23-player squad selected by the UEFA Technical team.
He now has 47 caps for Spain, and has scored five goals, most recently in the friendly 1-1 draw against Austria in Vienna last November.
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