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Cesc Fabregas smiles during a press conference at a hotel in Petaling Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today. Vincent Thian/AP/Press Association Images
no dice
Sorry, Moyesey: Fabregas not ready to give up on Barca dream
“Since I was a kid my dream was to play for Barcelona,” says the Spain playmaker.
BARCELONA MIDFIELDER Cesc Fabregas slammed the door on a potential move to Manchester United, insisting the Catalan giants remain his dream club today.
The Premier League champions have so far failed with two bids for Fabregas, who has emerged as their main summer transfer target as new manager David Moyes seeks to inject creativity into his midfield.
The Spanish international told a press conference in Malaysia that “since I was a kid my dream was to play for Barcelona”.
“This dream hasn’t changed,” he said ahead of Saturday’s friendly against the Malaysian national side.
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His comments echo those of teammate Gerard Pique and Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, who both insisted earlier this week the 26-year-old will stay at the Nou Camp.
Fabregas has failed to nail down a spot in Barca’s star-studded midfield, with international teammates Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets ahead of him in the pecking order.
But Barca are reluctant to sell the pint-sized playmaker, especially since the loss of Thiago Alcantara to Bayern Munich.
Barca enticed Fabregas back from Arsenal with a long-term view to him replacing the 33-year-old Xavi, who is expected to play fewer games in the coming season.
Barcelona return to Asia three years after their last visit to the football-mad continent — home to a massive fan base and potential revenue.
The tour is a final chance for new manager Gerardo Martino to assess his players in official friendly action before the start of the La Liga season on 18 August.
Fabregas also said he was ready to show Martino that he can be a key player for arguably the world’s most successful side in recent years.
“I need to work hard and do what he asks of me and I’m ready for the challenge,” he said.
The Barcelona team demolished Thailand 7-1 on the first leg of their whistlestop Asian tour on Wednesday.
Ya sure as if he would leave the bench to play with Carrick ,the statistics don’t lie Carrick with the most productive midfield player in Europe last season , I’m surprised your not giving bout about that fraud Jose after ye got a spanking off Madrid last night
@adian I’m not suggesting Carrick is a better player I’m simply point out that he is hardly a fraud , he played more forward passes last season than any other player in Europe and that cesc the doing himself no favours leading up to the world cup by sitting on the bench at barca
Did you see Terry and Cole last night !! Hadn’t a clue what was going on for Ronaldo’s second goal, , Sh*te at the back and Sh*te up front aswell ….. Bye Luis …..
That stat doesn’t mean anything to me Colm. I’d prefer someone who can produce magic like Xavi or Iniesta instead of a man who’s made more 5 yard passes in front of him. Forget about stats, never have I seen Carrick do something on a football pitch that made me think he was world class.
Wilson and Barry, United lose to teams that nobodys ever heard of, and it’s alright “cos it’s preseason.” Chelsea lose to one of the best, the only difference being the second best player in the world, and it’s Chelsea that’s in trouble.
And Barry if by “Luis” you mean David LuiZ, I can’t see him leaving. Anyway United fans called him clueless for the last 2 and a half years and once there’s talk of him leaving he’d be a huge loss. It’s like how I imagine talking to a 5 year old about football would be like. So childish.
The quality of comments on this site is really gone down the drain. Once upon a time it was possible to actually talk about football to people who knew football. Now the place is just littered with United fans who think everything about United is the best, and can’t listen to anyone. Then throwing around the word “Shitski” thinking they’re hilarious. Intelligent fans seem to be few and far between on here.
I’m a Chelsea (that’s “Shitski” for any mentally challenged commenters out there) fan Franco. I know the club has it’s controversies, I don’t agree with or like some things about the club or what it does, but it’s my club, and I’m looking forward to a season of hopefully challenging for the title come April/May instead of scrapping for 4th, as has been the last 2 years.
Especially the Chelsea fans who have nothing better to do ,cause The Score don’t bother to write about them ….. But here’s one stat that might mean something to you Jose never stays longer then 3-4 years at any club… And even though I do think you have a decent chance to win the league this year it won’t last cause Mourinho won’t stay.
What amazes me more is that at Everton Moyes was considered a very good manager by all supporters but was never going to break into the top 4 only because he hadn’t got the funds to compete… But now he’s at Utd he useless ! Hasn’t a clue ! Utd are Fu*cked now etc….. Granted he’s got big shoes to fill but he’s only in the job a month …. As far as I’m concerned he has given every player at his disposal a chance on the pre season tour, to show what they’ve got and for him to decide yes or no , he is his own man and he will decide if a player stays or goes no matter if Fergie brought them in … As far as most most Utd fans are concerned he is going about his job in the right way .. Yes he picked Bebe the other day for example but he has a responsibility to the club and the player to do what’s right for both…(He would’nt be my favourite player but moyes will decide his faith ) He has given the younger ones like Lingard , Zaha, Januzaj ,Henriquez etc a good run and they have all done really well, in fact I don’t think he’s played his first 11 yet but he’s going the right way about deciding it… And who goes and who stays … So it funny really cause all the ABU’s are more concerned about Utd pre season the we are…. And as for bringing in new players ok Fabregas doesn’t want to come fine we move on .. We get someone else …It’s not as if Fergie never had any failures in the transfer market.. And he still went on to win trophy after trophy …
José could well leave in 3-4 years, could leave in 6 months, mightn’t leave for 10 years. No point speculating on that now. However, since José last departed the club won the double, Champions League, few FA Cups, and a Europa League. I’m happy with that. Added with the age of the squad and youth coming through, I’d be pretty optimistic that it will “last”.
Yes he was a good manager for Everton. He wasn’t expected to win anything, and he didn’t. It’s completely different managing United, challenging for 4 trophies, Champions League, succeeding the greatest manager of all time, millions of fans, player egos, etc. Similar to Roy Hodgson doing a great job at Fulham before failing at Liverpool.
I don’t know why you’re rambling on about him giving all the players a chance. That’s not revolutionary, it’s just what everyone does during preseason…
Fabregas is not a titular – a guaranteed starter. He didn’t start in key games last season, such as when Barça played in Munich. He played eight of the 180 minutes in the Super Cups v Real Madrid. He was brought off v Madrid in both Copa del Rey matches, he didn’t get on the pitch in the league at the Bernabeu in March and was substituted in the league game in Barcelona in October. He was an unused sub against Milan in Barcelona’s most impressive performance of the season – after starting in the 2-0 loss in the away leg.
Fabregas didn’t start in Paris in the next round – and was on the bench in the French capital a week later for Spain. He wants to play for Spain in the World Cup next summer, not be an unused substitute as he was in the most important games in the Confederations Cup. He’ll be 27 and at his peak. There’s no chance of him being a starter for Spain if he’s not a starter in the biggest games for Barcelona.
We’re did I say start? Fact of the matter is Man U don’t have the pull to get top players in, they all want to see how Man U get on without Ferg. Plus there best player wants out. Says it all really.
I don’t think it’s that bad Paul. He’s being a little too open about the players he’s chasing at the moment but that may just be an assumption that all he needs to do is mention that Man Utd are interested and players will put pressure on for their move but that will only really work in England. He’ll do fine as a manager, might need a little time to develop into a bigger club but I think he’ll do a good job. Liverpool fan by the way.
Come back to me in may , I’m not saying were going to be the title ,in my min Chelsea have to be favourites but United won’t finish outside top3 arsenal will b 4th spurs 5th , it’s Moyes 1st season in charge give the man a chance
So from champions to third and your happy with that seamless transition I see. With Bebe anchoring midfield no doubt. Rooney gone for good measure. Ah yeah that’s real progress under Moyes alright.
Bebe played In the pre season games to put him I was window , I’m not saying that I’d be happy with 3rd I’m saying that with the investment city have put in place Jose back at the bridge I believe they are stronger and unless United sign baines and a creative midfielder then United will be under serious pressure for there title
He started 41 matches last season for Barcelona, adding to that 7 substitute appearances. I wouldn’t call that being the benchwarmer he is made out to be. In them he got 14 goals and 11 assists, not a bad return either.
Rachael Blackmore took on the men in a sport dominated by men and won, time and time again
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Like Fabregas would trade in playing in a midfield with xavi and iniesta to,play along side old giggs rubbish Anderson and fraud Carrick.
Ya sure as if he would leave the bench to play with Carrick ,the statistics don’t lie Carrick with the most productive midfield player in Europe last season , I’m surprised your not giving bout about that fraud Jose after ye got a spanking off Madrid last night
Take off your United sunglasses Colm, every football fan knows that Carrick isn’t fit to clean Xavi or Iniesta’s boots
I think you will be interested in this video: Cristiano Ronaldo’s quality headed goal v Chelsea [GIF], from 101 Great Goals: http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/cristiano-ronaldos-quality-headed-goal-v-chelsea-gif/
The Sensational One !!
@adian I’m not suggesting Carrick is a better player I’m simply point out that he is hardly a fraud , he played more forward passes last season than any other player in Europe and that cesc the doing himself no favours leading up to the world cup by sitting on the bench at barca
Did you see Terry and Cole last night !! Hadn’t a clue what was going on for Ronaldo’s second goal, , Sh*te at the back and Sh*te up front aswell ….. Bye Luis …..
That stat doesn’t mean anything to me Colm. I’d prefer someone who can produce magic like Xavi or Iniesta instead of a man who’s made more 5 yard passes in front of him. Forget about stats, never have I seen Carrick do something on a football pitch that made me think he was world class.
Wilson and Barry, United lose to teams that nobodys ever heard of, and it’s alright “cos it’s preseason.” Chelsea lose to one of the best, the only difference being the second best player in the world, and it’s Chelsea that’s in trouble.
And Barry if by “Luis” you mean David LuiZ, I can’t see him leaving. Anyway United fans called him clueless for the last 2 and a half years and once there’s talk of him leaving he’d be a huge loss. It’s like how I imagine talking to a 5 year old about football would be like. So childish.
Pool or Sh*tski fan obivously !!!
Heard it all before, a player states he going nowhere, he’s happy where he is and a short time down the road he’s off …
The quality of comments on this site is really gone down the drain. Once upon a time it was possible to actually talk about football to people who knew football. Now the place is just littered with United fans who think everything about United is the best, and can’t listen to anyone. Then throwing around the word “Shitski” thinking they’re hilarious. Intelligent fans seem to be few and far between on here.
Who do you support Aidan ?
I’m a Chelsea (that’s “Shitski” for any mentally challenged commenters out there) fan Franco. I know the club has it’s controversies, I don’t agree with or like some things about the club or what it does, but it’s my club, and I’m looking forward to a season of hopefully challenging for the title come April/May instead of scrapping for 4th, as has been the last 2 years.
CFC
Especially the Chelsea fans who have nothing better to do ,cause The Score don’t bother to write about them ….. But here’s one stat that might mean something to you Jose never stays longer then 3-4 years at any club… And even though I do think you have a decent chance to win the league this year it won’t last cause Mourinho won’t stay.
What amazes me more is that at Everton Moyes was considered a very good manager by all supporters but was never going to break into the top 4 only because he hadn’t got the funds to compete… But now he’s at Utd he useless ! Hasn’t a clue ! Utd are Fu*cked now etc….. Granted he’s got big shoes to fill but he’s only in the job a month …. As far as I’m concerned he has given every player at his disposal a chance on the pre season tour, to show what they’ve got and for him to decide yes or no , he is his own man and he will decide if a player stays or goes no matter if Fergie brought them in … As far as most most Utd fans are concerned he is going about his job in the right way .. Yes he picked Bebe the other day for example but he has a responsibility to the club and the player to do what’s right for both…(He would’nt be my favourite player but moyes will decide his faith ) He has given the younger ones like Lingard , Zaha, Januzaj ,Henriquez etc a good run and they have all done really well, in fact I don’t think he’s played his first 11 yet but he’s going the right way about deciding it… And who goes and who stays … So it funny really cause all the ABU’s are more concerned about Utd pre season the we are…. And as for bringing in new players ok Fabregas doesn’t want to come fine we move on .. We get someone else …It’s not as if Fergie never had any failures in the transfer market.. And he still went on to win trophy after trophy …
José could well leave in 3-4 years, could leave in 6 months, mightn’t leave for 10 years. No point speculating on that now. However, since José last departed the club won the double, Champions League, few FA Cups, and a Europa League. I’m happy with that. Added with the age of the squad and youth coming through, I’d be pretty optimistic that it will “last”.
Yes he was a good manager for Everton. He wasn’t expected to win anything, and he didn’t. It’s completely different managing United, challenging for 4 trophies, Champions League, succeeding the greatest manager of all time, millions of fans, player egos, etc. Similar to Roy Hodgson doing a great job at Fulham before failing at Liverpool.
I don’t know why you’re rambling on about him giving all the players a chance. That’s not revolutionary, it’s just what everyone does during preseason…
Your the one that’s rambling mate ! You made points and he cleared it up for ya …
Give me one point I made that he “cleared up” for me
He played 38 games for Barca last year. You call that sitting on the bench?
38 out of how many? How many did he start?
John he didn’t start 38 games..
Fabregas is not a titular – a guaranteed starter. He didn’t start in key games last season, such as when Barça played in Munich. He played eight of the 180 minutes in the Super Cups v Real Madrid. He was brought off v Madrid in both Copa del Rey matches, he didn’t get on the pitch in the league at the Bernabeu in March and was substituted in the league game in Barcelona in October. He was an unused sub against Milan in Barcelona’s most impressive performance of the season – after starting in the 2-0 loss in the away leg.
Fabregas didn’t start in Paris in the next round – and was on the bench in the French capital a week later for Spain. He wants to play for Spain in the World Cup next summer, not be an unused substitute as he was in the most important games in the Confederations Cup. He’ll be 27 and at his peak. There’s no chance of him being a starter for Spain if he’s not a starter in the biggest games for Barcelona.
I think wilson just proved my point, also he started some of those games as cover for David villa who was injured
We’re did I say start? Fact of the matter is Man U don’t have the pull to get top players in, they all want to see how Man U get on without Ferg. Plus there best player wants out. Says it all really.
Lads what’s the point in even talking about how many games he’ll play. He said he’s staying. Story over.
And as John said above the pull of working with Moyes isn’t half as tempting as working with Fergie was.
Your right Wilson he didn’t start 38 games, it was 41. Sorry about that.
As a Utd fan we may give up the ghost and accept we are going no where with Moyes in charge.
Paul your obviously not a united fan If you are then you should cop on
I don’t think it’s that bad Paul. He’s being a little too open about the players he’s chasing at the moment but that may just be an assumption that all he needs to do is mention that Man Utd are interested and players will put pressure on for their move but that will only really work in England. He’ll do fine as a manager, might need a little time to develop into a bigger club but I think he’ll do a good job. Liverpool fan by the way.
Colm if you can accept apathy willingly fire ahead I’m a realist the gig is up call in the dog we are doomed.
Come back to me in may , I’m not saying were going to be the title ,in my min Chelsea have to be favourites but United won’t finish outside top3 arsenal will b 4th spurs 5th , it’s Moyes 1st season in charge give the man a chance
So from champions to third and your happy with that seamless transition I see. With Bebe anchoring midfield no doubt. Rooney gone for good measure. Ah yeah that’s real progress under Moyes alright.
Bebe played In the pre season games to put him I was window , I’m not saying that I’d be happy with 3rd I’m saying that with the investment city have put in place Jose back at the bridge I believe they are stronger and unless United sign baines and a creative midfielder then United will be under serious pressure for there title
Colm we would survive without Baines, a creative midfielder yes , but if Rooney puts his dummy back in and gets fit he’d make a cracking job of it
Agreed about Rooney ,we should either go to get baines now or never thou as this is probably evras last decent season
He started 41 matches last season for Barcelona, adding to that 7 substitute appearances. I wouldn’t call that being the benchwarmer he is made out to be. In them he got 14 goals and 11 assists, not a bad return either.
I’d love to see Rafael and Fabio on either side
Ya Rafael was great last season and from the pre season fabio Is lookin better