“Be careful what you wish for.”

Thanks to Spanish national coach Vicente del Bosque’s selection preferences, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas needn’t learn the meaning of the aforementioned proverb the hard way. After repeatedly expressing his admiration for and desire to join hometown club Barcelona, Arsenal’s talismanic captain may have discovered that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Unable to dislodge the Barcelona trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets from Spain’s starting line-up, Fabregas has alluded to the fact that he may decide to stay in London this summer.

Undoubtedly frustrated by his serial omission, Fabregas admitted: "I haven't said that I will definitely leave Arsenal. Everything is possible. Now I have my head and my focus on the World Cup. I am very proud to be captain of Arsenal and I love the club and have respect for them. It gave me such pride to be made captain."

Vicente del Bosque has yet to find a place for Cesc Fabregas within his preferred starting XI. With a penchant for a lone-striker system, Del Bosque has used the talents of Xavi, Sergio Busquets and former Liverpool man Xabi Alonso in Spain’s central midfield area, the area in which Fabregas performs with such distinction for club side Arsenal. During Spain’s four games thus far, Fabregas has featured for the grand total of just 60 minutes, having come on as a substitute against both Honduras and Chile.

Should Fabregas decide to make the move to the Camp Nou this summer, it is likely that he would face similar obstacles to obtaining a regular first-team berth. Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola also has a penchant for the use of a three-man midfield, and the unbelievable wealth of midfield talent already existing at the Catalan club would minimise Fabregas’ chances of commanding an automatic first-team spot.

This sentiment has been reiterated by Barcelona misfit Alexander Hleb, who, speaking of Fabregas and mooted Barcelona target Gael Clichy, stated “I would advise them to stay [at Arsenal].”

Given his nationality and personal ambition, Fabregas’ desire to join Barcelona at some point in his career is understandable. However, unless he is content with a place on the bench, a switch to Catalonia may not be the best move at this stage in his career.

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Click on image below to see the GERMAN babes at the World Cup