Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

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Pique: Fabregas has heart on Barca

04 Jul 2010 - 12:53:04

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Cesc Fabregas' heart is set on playing for Barcelona next season, according to Spain team-mate Gerard Pique.

The Arsenal captain has been the subject of one unsuccessful bid from Barcelona this summer after reportedly telling Gunners boss Arsene Wenger that he wanted to return to his former club after seven years in north London.

Wenger has pledged to fight to keep hold of the 23-year-old midfielder, who has made over 250 first-team appearances since breaking into the first team in 2004.

However, Pique believes that Fabregas is more determined than ever to return to the Camp Nou after sending time with several Barcelona players while on World Cup duty with Spain.

"I have known that Cesc wanted to join Barcelona for many years but now it is more than about wanting to do it," the Barcelona defender told the Daily Star Sunday.

"Now it is something he feels he must do.

"The World Cup has not been a good thing for Arsenal.

"It has meant that he has been spending every day with myself, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Victor Valdes - and he has made his feelings very clear to us.

"He is keeping his mind focused on Spain but his heart is in Barcelona. I think already in his heart he is wearing a Barcelona shirt next season."