Cesc Fabregas returns to training with Arsenal

05 August 2010 16:19
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas returned to training with the club this morning - but ignored pleas to give a public declaration on his future.[LNB]The Spanish World Cup winner has been at the centre of an acrimonious tug of war with Barcelona and the Gunners wanted him to silence the Catalans by pledging his future to north London.[LNB] Leader of the pack: Cesc Fabregas leads Arsenal around the Emirates Stadium[LNB] However, while the 23-year-old received warm applause and smiled to fansat the Emirates Stadium during a special member's day, he passed up thechance to say the words which supporters wanted to hear.[LNB]Barcelona, where Fabregas began his career as a schoolboy, made a£29million bid for the midfielder at the start of June, only to be told by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that the player was not for sale at any price.[LNB] No question: The fans let their feelings known to Fabregas (left) as he trained[LNB]A series of public statements by Barca's most prominent players advocating a move for the World Cup winner has only served to increase the feeling that Fabregas will leave the club.[LNB]Nevertheless, the Spain star looked at ease as he lined up alongside Wenger and the rest of the Arsenal squad for the team photo at the Emirates Stadium today, a glimmer of hope for some that he will remain at the club he joined as a 15-year-old for at least another season.[LNB] Keeping up appearances: Arsene Wenger (left) has urged Fabregas to make a statement on his future[LNB]He was the first man on the pitch at Emirates as he led the side out to rapturous applause. The Spaniard wore a beaming smile as he jogged out the tunnel, clapping the thousands that had taken their seats inside the ground.[LNB]As the players continued their warm-up Fabregas shared jokes with Thomas Vermaelen, Tomas Rosicky and Robin van Persie.[LNB] Centre of attention: Fabregas shared jokes with his Arsenal team-mates as he trained[LNB] Usual suspects: The entire squad greeted the fans, even the injured Aaron Ramsey (right)[LNB]Aaron Ramsey also made an appearance on the pitch as he continued his rehabilitation from a broken leg.[LNB]New signings Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny also trained, along with the impressive young duo of Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong.[LNB] On the ball: Fabregas briefly joined in with some ball work[LNB]Fabregas and Van Persie had been granted an extended holiday following their World Cup exploits with Holland and Spain. The pair split from the main group shortly after the warm-up and trained with fitness coach Tony Colbert.[LNB]Arsene Wenger said at the end: 'I would like to thank you all for coming to the Emirates today. I hope you enjoyed the day. [LNB]'And thank you for the support I am sure you will give us in the coming season. We will give our best and try to finish at the top.'[LNB]But we are still waiting for word from Fabregas.[LNB] Face it Cesc: Arsenal demand Fabregas pledge of loyalty to fansCesc agony! Arsenal captain Fabregas let down by Barca over transfer tussleBarca launch TV propaganda battle in bid to prise Fabregas from Arsenal Fabregas hints he still longs for Barca at homecoming parade for Arsenal starSign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail