Barcelona admit Fabregas’ future is in his hands

New Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino, has conceded that the club Cesc Fabregas will play next season, is completely down to him, although he pleaded with the midfielder to stay.

The Spain international has been linked with moves to Manchester United, with his former club Arsenal also monitoring the situation at Camp Nou.

“I’m not thinking about Barca without Cesc,” he told reporters. “I’ve talked to him, I’ve explained my ideas. He’s one of the best in the squad, but there’s also a part that he has to decide.

“If it depends on me, he’ll stay, and I believe he will, so I haven’t thought about who I’d sign to replace him yet.”

Martino also addressed Barca fans before their 8-0 drubbing of Santos on Friday, that he was hoping to lead the team to successes.

“I just wanted to say that it is with enormous happiness that I am here with the team,” the Argentine added. “I want to pass on my pride of being a part of this club and I hope this year will see championship-level achievements for the club.”

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