Cesc happy to stay if Arsene still wants him

CESC FABREGAS yesterday pledged his loyalty to Arsenal but revealed he is uncertain whether he is still wanted by Arsene Wenger.

The annual summer frenzy over Fabregas’ future has resumed once more with Barcelona reported to be circling for the player they nurtured through their youth ranks.

Manchester City and Real Madrid have also been linked with the 24-year-old midfielder.

Reports in Spain claim Wenger is resigned to losing his prized asset, while teammate Bacary Sagna was quoted as saying the club captain “needs” to return home.

But Fabregas, speaking at the launch of a new fragrance in Madrid this morning, indicated he is content to remain at Arsenal — if the desire is mutual.

“I’m very happy where I am. If I said anything else to you I would be lying,” he said. “I’m an Arsenal player, we have a great team and a great coach.

“If one day I have to leave Arsenal then I’ll speak that same day, not before. I haven’t spoken to the boss. He’s the one who makes the decisions and I don’t know if they want to sell me or not. Everyone has their way of interpreting things, but in these decisions not everything depends on the player. To say anything else would be to lie and to give way to speculations that aren’t true.”

For all the positive noises, however, Fabregas revealed he has decided to be less forthright with his intentions in public.

Twelve months ago he had his heart set on returning to the club he left as a 16-year-old in 2003, declaring “I think I would like to go to Barcelona.”

By August and with Arsenal having rejected two offers from the Catalan giants, he had committed himself to the Gunners for another season.

“I have my values and after everything I have lived in the team for eight years, I’m not going to say something that could ruin everything,” he said. “I have always acted with discretion. I’m in a very complicated position.

“I’m not one of those who will talk (to the press) so a signing can be sorted out.

“Last year I think I made a mistake but that’s passed now and you learn from your mistakes.

“Last year was hard. I came out and gave my position and maybe I was wrong to do so.”

Though wary over voicing his own plans, Fabregas is happy to acclaim the brilliance of the Champions League winners while lamenting Arsenal’s failure to lift a trophy for six seasons.

“Barca are the best team in the world and going there guarantees winning titles,” he said. “Any player who says they are not frustrated by not winning titles is lying. I’m ambitious.”

Fabregas, who has won 58 caps for Spain since making his debut in 2006, refused to completely rule out a move to Real Madrid.

“I’m not going to talk about any team, but you can never say never to anyone because in the future you never know what will happen,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lille have confirmed that Ivorian striker Gervinho is closing in on a £12m move to Arsenal.