Cesc: Happy At Arsenal ... For Now

Francesc 'Cesc' Fabregas took up an interview with Spanish sports daily As, which can mean only one thing: much talk of a potential move back to Spain.

And the eventual outcome was that, while Cesc wouldn't rule out a move back to his homeland, he's happy at Arsenal and will fight for the Premiership.

The 20-year-old was asked if he'd relish the chance of a Champions League final against Real Madrid.

"Of course," he replied.

"However, I'd take Arsenal against anyone, as it still stings from when we lost to Barcelona [in 2006].

"At the time, the sense of loss was unbelievable. But a few days after, I realised that my attitude was stupid. I remembered: I'm 19, and I played a Champions League final. That's unimaginable, and I was lucky to take part."

As' interviewer then inevitably compared Cesc to Raul: a master of no particular style, but brilliant in versatility.

"Raul strikes me as an incredible player," replied Cesc.

"Everyone assumed that he had lost it, but now he's reborn. It would have been easy for him to give up, but his mental strength is tremendous.

"With eveything he'd had to endure, with all that he had to put up with, it's exemplary of him to lift himself up, take Madrid with him, win the league, and find goals again. This is what makes a player great. And I appreciate his delivery skills."

Could Cesc follow Raul in becoming a star of the Spanish league?

"I think I've learned a lot from the physical level of the Premiership," mused the former Barcelona youth.

"They have a work culture, and play very, very fast football. We need to be careful because they close down the man for almost the entire game.

"But the problem is, I've never played in the Spanish league. I can of course see it on TV and it looks easy, but from talking with Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta, I know that the teams are very intelligent, and close down with intelligence.

"I'm a Madrid target? I don't know about that. This is January, and I know of nothing. Everyone knows that a team like Real Madrid's interest would make me happy - it's a great complement.

"But I'm at at Arsenal and I want to win the Premiership with them. Right now, I'd die for Arsenal.

"Next season to the Bernabeu? With the age I am, and with all that's happening to me, and to see how much football can change in just two or three seasons, it's very difficult for me to say one way or the other. It depends on many factors. Right now I'm happy, but you never know what may happen.

"Who would I pick betewen Barça and Madrid? My family supports Barça, but I'm a football player and need to look deeper. But I can't talk about either team, out of respect. Time will tell."

Cesc also weighed in on the top players in certain positions, as well as his favourite teammate.

"I'd love to play alongside Samuel Eto'o," he said.

"As a central midfielder, to play alongside someone of his mobility, and with his space creation, would be incredible. He has tenacity and passion that I admire. He's back, and that's great news.

"Best goalkeeper? Iker [Casillas]. I find it hard to choose a defender. Kaka is the best midfielder. Eto'o is my weakness up front, but now [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy is unbelievable. Going back to defence - [Carles] Puyol, because of his status and he gives everything. Plus, he's my friend!

"My best teammate is Hleb. Without question. When he plays well, he makes me play better, too. He can improve me.

"When he doesn't play I need to change my approach. He and I can play together with understanding."