Arsenal Open Day In Photos And A Summer Of Fabregas Quotes And Shaved Legs

OFF to the Emirates stadium to watch Arsenal train in the sun. All eyes on Cesc Fabreagas, retuned from what looks like failed plan to move to Barcelona. The question burnt on a thousand lips was: “Has he shaved his legs and chest?” Cesc ran past within touching distance of the Anorak. Robin Van Persie, of Holland, gave chase. This was Holland v Spain in the World Cup final all over again. But Van Persie resisted all national instinct to kick the Spaniard in the chest.

Cesc’s summer of quotes:

“When you see that things are going so well for [players at Barcelona], I think I would like to go to Barcelona. Then if they want me or not is another thing. It’s what I want and what I would like.”

“It is not up to me any more. It’s just now about Arsenal and whoever else has to be [involved] and that’s it. I don’t want to say anything else.”

The Barcelona players play tag with Cesc’s emotions – and you thought Gary Neville was the biggest company man in football:

Xavi: “Villa and Cesc [Fabregas], if he comes too, are welcome to help us to continue playing the football that characterises us and achieve further success,”

Gerard Pique: “I had a similar situation at Manchester United. I am a Barcelona fan, I wanted to return and I am convinced that Cesc will come here.”

Xavi: “It is criminal for a player of Cesc’s quality not to be winning the biggest prizes in football. He really has no choice but to leave. He is making the right decision and I hope the Arsenal fans wish him well.”

Xavi: “Two years ago I said Cesc would end up playing for Barcelona and now I have it more clear than ever. It is clear that Cesc will come to Barcelona.”

Lionel Messi: “I would love to play with Cesc, because we have shared many things together in time. We agree on the fundamentals of Barca football.”

Xavi: “Arsenal need to understand they are only delaying the inevitable. If we don’t manage to get his signature this season then Arsenal only really have him on loan for a year – because there is nothing they can do to stop him joining next summer.”

Puyol: “He is having to stay at a club where he no longer wants to be for another year. I wonder how intelligent it is keeping a player who doesn’t want to be there.”

Messi: “I am still confident Cesc will come home this summer. Arsène Wenger is an intelligent and decent man and he knows where Cesc’s heart is. It is only natural he is trying to keep Cesc, but I don’t think he would keep anyone long-term whose heart is at another club.”

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