Fabregas not out to end Xavi - Midfielder ready to learn and thinks best years are ahead
Posted Saturday, August 20, 2011 by skysports.com
Fabregas: No rivalry with Barcelona and Spain Xavi
Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas insists he has not returned to Barcelona to send Xavi into retirement.
After three years of transfer speculation, the Spain international this week finally secured a move back to the club he left in 2003 in order to head to England.
Despite Arsenal's reluctance to sell, Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola was determined to get his man and secured a deal with it perceived Fabregas is considered as the successor to Xavi.
The majestic midfielder, who himself replaced Guardiola in Barcelona's midfield, is 31-years-old and some have suggested Fabregas could take his place in the future.
But Fabregas, 24, told Barcelona TV: "I think that Xavi still has some years left in him. He does things you wouldn't believe.
Desire
"I haven't come to retire Xavi. I came here to play with Xavi, to compete with Xavi, and to win with Xavi.
"What I'm saying about Xavi also goes for Andres [Iniesta] and Thiago. I think altogether we make a very good group. I know what we'll do. With the great group we are, we'll do great things together."
Fabregas also recognises he is still developing as a player and has arrived at the Camp Nou with a desire to learn.
"I'm very young and the best years of my football career are beginning now, and in the future," he said.
"I still have a lot to learn and hope to mature with Barca for many years to come."
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