Source: Team_Talk
Flamini: Fabregas must follow his heart
Mathieu Flamini has told Cesc Fabregas to "do what he really wants" over the tug-of-war for him between Arsenal and Barcelona.[LNB] The Gunners are desperately trying to hold onto their captain after turning down a bid by the club from which they took him as a teenager.[LNB]Flamini found himself in a not dissimilar position when he quit the Emirates two years ago to join AC Milan.[LNB]The French midfielder controversially rejected a new deal with Arsenal and left on a free transfer.[LNB]It was a big blow at the time to the London club but the loss of Fabregas would be felt even more keenly.[LNB]Asked if he had any advice for his ex-team-mate, Flamini - speaking to promote this weekend's Emirates Cup which will see him face his former club on Saturday - said: "I would tell him to to what he feels, because it's a very personal choice and I cannot advise anything.[LNB]"He will have to do what he really wants.[LNB]"If he stays or goes, I will support him because he is a friend."[LNB]Flamini also insisted he himself had no regrets about leaving Arsenal for Milan, despite admitting to frustration at a lack of first-team opportunities.[LNB]He has been linked this summer with both Aston Villa and Newcastle but denied any knowledge of their reported interest.[LNB]"I didn't see that because I'm in Italy but they are two good clubs," he said.[LNB]He added: "Personally, I hope I'm going to play more than what I did in the last year.[LNB]"I hope this year will be better."[LNB]Flamini did, however, refuse to rule out a return to the Barclays Premier League one day, saying: "I'm happy to be in Italy, it's a great championship and I'm having a lot of fun.[LNB]"But in football, you never know."[LNB]Flamini's new manager, Massimiliano Allegri, gave mixed messages on Friday about the prospect of Flamini getting more game time this season.[LNB]He said: "Flamini's a very good player, an important player.[LNB]"He's hasn't given us his full potential."[LNB]But Allegri also revealed the club were in the market for another midfielder, which may further restrict Flamini's chances of first-team action.[LNB]He said: "We need a third midfielder and I think the club and (vice-president Adriano) Galliani has been quite explicit about it."
