Barcelona ‘Love’ Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas - Joan Laporta
Sunday, August 30, 2009 @ 12:24 PM
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reignited speculation over a move for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas by admitting his club "love" the midfielder.
The young Spaniard has been linked with the European champions all summer but currently remains at the Emirates, with both player and club insisting he is happy in north London.
However, according to the News of the World, Laporta has spoken glowingly of Fabregas and has also insisted that he is a special case.
“I apologise if I bothered Mr. Wenger because I respect him very highly and the job he is doing but the case of Cesc Fabregas he knows perfectly is special,” explained the Barca chief.
“He is a Catalan player from our youth team and is it no secret that we love this player.
“We know he is one of the flagship players at Arsenal and we respect him.”
Laporta seems determined to sign Fabregas at some point, although with the transfer window set to slam shut in a matter of days it looks likely he will have to wait to capture his man.
“He played in the Champions League final with seven players who came through from our youth team: Victor Valdes, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Sergi Busquets, Xavi, Andres Insieta and Lionel Messi,” added Laporta.
“The way we express our Catalan identity, that we are more than just a club, it is quite different to the ways other clubs operate.
“I prefer this way because I developed it in the seven years that I have been president.”
Source: goal.com