Source: Daily_Mail
Fabregas must make his mind up on Barcelona, says Arsenal star Arshavin
Arsh words: Fabregas (top) celebrates with Arsenal team-mate Arshavin[LNB]Andrey Arshavin says he will understand if Cesc Fabregas wants to quit Arsenal for a return to Barcelona this summer.[LNB]Just like manager Arsene Wenger, the Russia striker hopes his skipper will stay at the Emirates, but he knows only too well that players hold the power in the modern game.[LNB]Arshavin forced a move to north London 12 months ago after telling Zenit St Petersburg he was not prepared to stay at the Russian club where he came through the ranks.[LNB]And with Barcelona preparing to make an end-of-season raid for Catalan-born Fabregas, Arshavin said: 'If he goes to Barcelona, I will understand his choice. But as an Arsenal player, I really don't want this to happen. [LNB]'I remember when there were rumors of his departure last summer, he said half-jokingly, half seriously: "I'll stay at least a year or two, I want to play with you." We joke about this topic again now. But Cesc is a grown man and only he can decide.'[LNB]The 28-year-old vowed not to curb his straight-talking style in an interview with Russian newspaper Sport Express. [LNB]His recent comments that Arsenal could not win the title with him playing as a makeshift centre forward caused some to suggest such criticisms should not be aired in public.[LNB] Centre of attention: Fabregas trains with Arsenal ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Porto at the Emirates[LNB]'What is there to hide if everyone can see that this is the case?' questioned Arshavin, who has been used as an emergency spearhead because of the failure of Arsene Wenger to sign a stand-in for injured strikers Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.[LNB]Scoring boots: Arshavin scores past Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen[LNB]'It is clear that putting me in the centre forward position makes life difficult. In particular, we are deprived of the option of playing long balls.[LNB]'A big striker can receive a long ball, but for me it is virtually impossible against powerful defenders. [LNB]'This gives the team fewer options, not only because of my size, butalso because I don't have the skills to play in this position.'[LNB]With Bendtner back in the team and gaining match fitness, Arshavin insists Arsenal will fight to the end in the title race.[LNB]Butif they are unable to close the six-point gap on Barclays PremierLeague leaders Chelsea, he is backing the Blues to topple champions Manchester United.[LNB] 'Experience tells me we should not go crazy (over recent defeats),' he said. 'We have to train, to give 100 per cent in matches, then success is sure to follow.[LNB] Power play: Drogba (2nd left) helps Chelsea to victory against Arsenal earlier this month[LNB]'Manchester United outplayed us in midfield, controlling the ball and not allowing us to attack, but Chelsea were a more experienced and more powerful team, compared to who we were physically inferior.[LNB]'If you choose only between those two, then Chelsea will be champions.'[LNB] Arsenal legend Bergkamp clears path for Gunners return after earning badgesArsenal weigh up move for £2m-rated Swiss forward Nassim Ben KhalifaArsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen set to play through injury in PortoEmirates price freeze: No ticket rises for Arsenal supporters next seasonCompetition: Win an Arsenal shirt signed by skipper Cesc Fabregas ARSENAL FC
