Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has dismissed the incident which saw him wear a Barcelona shirt while celebrating the World Cup victory with the Spanish national squad (Arsenal 13/2 to win the Premier League).
Fabregas seemed to have little choice in the matter as Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol pulled the famous Blaugrana jersey over his head but the incident has only fuelled rumours the 23-year-old is set to quit the Emirates for Camp Nou.
The Spain midfielder has admitted he is keen to make the switch back to the club where he began his career as a youth player, while members of the Spain squad such as Andres Iniesta have stated he is eager to rejoin the Catalan giants.
However, Arsenal remain desperate to keep-hold of the talented playmaker and have already rejected a bid, believed to be around £30m, from Barca for Fabregas.
The Gunners captain is facing a difficult decision regarding his career, Fabregas has always maintained he is happy in London but has never shied away from the fact that he would love to return “home” to Barcelona and with Arsenal reluctant to sell there has been speculation he may have to force a move if he is to return to Camp Nou.
Fabregas himself has downplayed the fact he wore a Barcelona shirt as Spain celebrated and states he had no idea what Pique and Puyol were planning when Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina dragged him onto the stage.
“There are times we do not even know what we do, so everything can be forgiven,” explained Fabregas. “Pepe took me there (to the front of the stage), the truth is that I didn’t know anything like that was going to happen and so I was a bit surprised.
“At first I thought it was a flag or something, but it’s nothing. You had to enjoy it and if it’s a way to have fun, it’s nothing.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger remains adamant Fabregas will not be sold in the summer but if the player himself forces a move away the French manager may have little say in the matter. However, Arsenal have already knocked back one bid and the Spanish side have stated they will not pay a mega-fee for Fabregas so this is a transfer saga which could drag on for some-time, even after the transfer window closes if a deal is not reached.
When asked about his future Fabregas remained non-committal and would not give much away, simply saying: “I think now the less said about the subject much the better, because these things are worse for everyone when they come to light and people talk more about the matter, right now we have to be very calm and what will be will be.”
The Gunners take on Liverpool at Anfield in a mouth-watering opening day fixture in the Premier League but it remains to be seen whether Fabregas will be involved by the time the big kick-off comes around (Liverpool 5/4, draw 23/10, Arsenal 7/4 – 90 minutes).
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.