Source: Team_Talk
Cesc 'satisfied' despite dashed dream
Cesc Fabregas understands why Arsenal felt allowing him to join Barcelona was "impossible" - but says his side must adopt a winning mentality.[LNB] The 23-year-old is set to return from a hamstring injury for the visit of Birmingham on Saturday having not been in action during the international break.[LNB]Fabregas was close to returning to his boyhood club during the summer, only for Arsenal to stand firm as they rejected a £35million offer for their star midfielder whom they have nurtured since he was 16.[LNB]However, while the Spain World Cup winner can appreciate the reasons behind Arsene Wenger's stubborn stance, Fabregas warned another season without silverware at the Emirates Stadium cannot be tolerated.[LNB]"I maintain that I was right because to play for Barcelona is a dream I have had since childhood," Fabregas told radio station Cadena Cope.[LNB]"The truth is that the coach (Wenger) is like a second father to me. I told him what I thought. There were difficult moments.[LNB]"In the end, when I spoke to Wenger he told me 'no' - he was very emphatic, that the transfer was impossible."[LNB]Fabregas maintained: "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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"We just need to start winning titles because we have a wealth of quality. A winning mentality is missing."[LNB]Arsenal resume their quest for a first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup having lost the last two Premier League games.[LNB]Defeat at Stamford Bridge has left the Gunners some seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea, and battling to hold onto their top-four place.[LNB]Wenger will be hoping his jet-setting squad return fit and well from international duty.[LNB]However, Arsenal have already lost right-back Bacary Sagna to a thigh problem picked up while away with France.[LNB]While the likes of Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Aaron Ramsey are all still a while away from a return to action, Wenger could be boosted by Theo Walcott being available this weekend, although the trip to Manchester City on October 24 is perhaps a more likely target for the England forward who suffered ankle ligament damage during the last international break.[LNB]Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) has also not featured since Blackburn on August 28, while England left-back Kieran Gibbs will be hoping the extra recovery time allows his calf injury to clear up.[LNB]Manuel Almunia could return in goal having missed two matches because of an elbow problem suffered during the shock 3-2 home defeat by West Brom.
