The transfer saga of Fabregas returning to his former
club has been one of the most protracted, ongoing rumours in modern
football, but Xavi reckons his compatriot has made his preference
of a return to the European champions clear.
Xavi said: "I spoke to Cesc in Ibiza and he said he was
suffering because he wanted to come.
"It's more like, he did everything he could to come and wants to
leave Arsenal - although he made it clear that now everything
depends on the selling club."
Fabregas, 24, is a product of the Barcelona youth system but
joined Arsenal in 2003 and has
since become a key figure at the club.
Despite Xavi's revelations, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said
on Monday that he sees Fabregas leading his club in the hunt for
trophies in the coming season
"Cesc loves the club and hopefully we will manage," Wenger said.
"We know that this story for Barcelona has gone on for years now,
we have to close that and focus on the season, hopefully with Cesc
Fabregas."
With constant rumours linking Fabregas and Samir Nasri to moves
away from the Emirates and Gael Clichy already signing for
Manchester City, Wenger may enter the campaign with a new-look
squad having already signed Charlton youngster Carl Jenkinson and
Lille forward Gervinho.