Source: Team_Talk
Cesc 'unaffected' by Barca whispers
The Spain international, 22, had his initial schooling within the Nou Camp club, before joining the Gunners as a 15-year-old.[LNB]Now, Fabregas - a European Championship winner last summer - is widely regarded as one of the finest players in the world.[LNB]Out-going Barcelona president Joan Laporta has hinted a deal is already in place to bring Fabregas back next summer, seen as a move to undermine the election campaign of old rival Sandro Rosell, with Agusti Benedito also vying for power at the Nou Camp.[LNB]However, Fabregas has nothing else on his mind other than delivering for the Gunners.[LNB]"It does not affect me at all," said Fabregas, who was speaking to the media ahead of the Champions League clash with Standard Liege at Emirates Stadium. "This [speculation] has been going for years.[LNB]"I don't mind really if it happens, it happens - but it will not change the way I think.[LNB]"I do not think about it because I do not want to and I do not think I should.[LNB]"I am at a great club, with a great team and am happy.[LNB]"We have a long season in front of us, and the last thing I want to do is get disconnected from what I have to do playing for Arsenal, who are the club which pays me.[LNB]"I am really looking forward to a great season with Arsenal."[LNB]Asked whether he could envisage staying at Arsenal for the whole of his career, Fabregas said: "Why not? I have never really thought about it, staying here all my life, because I am only 22 and you never know what your career will bring - but why not?[LNB]"It is my seventh season now, I am really happy, better than ever, so you never know."[LNB]Fabregas is Arsenal's leading scorer this season with nine goals, and has grown into his role as team captain since taking the armband from William Gallas.[LNB]However he admits it has been a step learning curve.[LNB]He said: "It was difficult at the start - I am a guy who does not like to say to everyone 'come on', because I feel I am nobody to say these things.[LNB]"I have learned a lot. I know my job and responsibilities as a captain now.[LNB]"Everybody is helping me, and together we are all doing very well.[LNB]"It is true more than before that if I need to say something now, I feel more capable than maybe a year ago."[LNB]Fabregas added: "We can achieve trophies here.[LNB]"We have played some finals, been fighting for the Premier League, the Champions League and just not quite done it.[LNB]"But I am really happy with this club, focusing on winning things and we are more than capable of doing it this season."[LNB]Fabregas feels Arsenal's Premier League defeat at Sunderland on Saturday was down more to a failure to respond following the international break than to any serious flaw in a squad currently without Dutch forward Robin van Persie because of an ankle injury.[LNB]Arsene Wenger's men still hold a game in hand on their title rivals - and could claw the deficit back to five points with victory over leaders Chelsea at Emirates Stadium next weekend.[LNB]Fabregas said: "The Chelsea game is vital. We have to win, and we will be ready for it.[LNB]"Chelsea are a great team, one of the best in Europe, are very strong and have been playing together for a long time.[LNB]"They know each other very well, and you can see that on the pitch.[LNB]"I respect them a lot, but I know what we can do as well.[LNB]"If we play like we can at our best, then we can beat them.[LNB]"With the game in hand we have as well, we could still be there.[LNB]"But first of all, we think about the Liege game tomorrow, and then about Chelsea, but, yes, it is an important week for us.[LNB][LNB] Arsenal 3/10, Draw 9/2, Standard Liege 8/1
