Cesc Fabregas

The Gunners skipper was the subject of several very public offers from Barca over the close-season but Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger resisted all bids for the under-contract star.

It was reported that the La Liga giants were prepared to spend £35million on the player they let leave for England as a youngster but ultimately they failed in their pursuit.

The Spain international has been linked with Barca again in a deal for next summer but the 24-year-old maintains talk of a move back to Catalonia is behind him – for now at least.

He has paid tribute to Wenger and the way he has nurtured him at Arsenal but he admits to pull on the famous Barca shirt remains a “dream” for the midfielder.

He said on radio station Cadena Cope: “I maintain that I was right because (to play for Barcelona) is a dream I have had since childhood.

“The truth is that the coach is like a second father to me. I told him what I thought.”

Fabregas could be back following injury for the Gunners in the Premier League clash at home to Birmingham City on Saturday (Arsenal 12/1 to win 4-0) and he has revealed how he was told in no uncertain terms by Wenger over the summer that the deal would not be happening.

“In the end, when I spoke to Wenger he told me ‘no’ – he was very emphatic, that the transfer was impossible,” he added.

“I am satisfied for all parties. It wasn’t to be and that’s that, though in my head I keep thinking it could have been a good opportunity.

“But here (at Arsenal) I have everything. I am still happy. I am very comfortable here, I like the club, lead the team, play football.”

Fabregas is hoping to lead Arsenal to their first trophy in five years this season but he admits they need to engender a winning mentality at the Emirates if they are to be successful once again.

“We just need to start winning titles because we have a wealth of quality. A winning mentality is missing,” he said.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.