Cesc Fabregas is in the middle of a mental tug of war between Arsenal and FC Barcelona.

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The Gunners captain has been the subject of the Catalan’s affections in recent months and despite admitting that he would like to move to the Primera Liga champions he has also revealed his inner torment over the saga.

“I'm a Barça fan, I'm a socio, as is my grandfather, my uncle, my cousin. I have felt the colours from a young age, I'm Catalan," said Fabregas.

But he added: “However, I'm the captain of Arsenal, I'm a 'Gunner', and I have become a player there and matured as a person.”

Fabregas’ respect for the London club stretches from the boardroom to the terraces but he reserved special words for his manager and mentor, Arsene Wenger.

“He is a second father for me. He has behaved really well with me and taken me in like a son. I am part of his family,” he said.

“He doesn't want me to leave. And in my last conversation with him in London, it was one of the most difficult moments I have experienced. I ended up very upset.”

It has been rumoured that Fabregas will talk once again to Wenger in the next couple of days and reiterate his desire to leave Arsenal though any decision he makes is bound to cause him some distress.