Barcelona might be preparing for its annual summer tempest involving Cesc Fabregas but the Arsenal captain introduces his moment of Zen saying in so many words if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with.
"Barcelona are the best team in the world and going there guarantees titles. But I owe myself to Arsenal."
These are dutiful words. But these are also words spoken by someone who knows a bit about reality and i.e., Barca is a club operating under financial duress.
They are serious about reducing their approximately €480m debt which they hope to accomplish by introducing leaner transfer budgets. Accordingly, a significantly reduced amount of €45m has been outlaid. Arsenal expects an amount in the region of €40m for Fabregas. There is the usual chatter through third party sources but so far the Catalonians have not approached the London club. After two failed attempts and living beyond their means - its go slow for them. Fabregas might eventually leave but it may not happen this year. Xavi is 31 years old but the way he plays he's good for another three.
It would be unseemly given these circumstances for Fabregas to try and force the issue and risk all the goodwill built up after 8 years. And give him credit when he says he feels frustrated at the lack of titles. He's speaking for all the fans. However the words he speaks thereafter suggest a player still very much involved.
"There is a good team and a good manager and one of the most faithful fan bases in Europe. With those I believe we can make progress and one day win an important trophy."
These are not the words of a player who's checked himself out. He's still offering the good old "we" as part of the solution.
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