Bad break won't stop Fabregas playing on

"Arsenal have given me everything since I was 16 and I'd never announce that I'm itching to get back to Spain out of respect to the fans, the club and my team mates for a start.

"It was an eye-opener to me in the summer when I discovered that it was possible to arrive at a big final [Euro 2008], win it and enjoy the whole experience massively.

"That brought me loads of extra confidence and, frankly, makes me all the more hungry to repeat the process."

Fabregas accepts that he may one day play in La Liga but, for now, he believes in Wenger's youth policy and is critical of billionaire owners who treat clubs like 'toys'.

He said: "My ego is totally under control despite the fact that I'm a champion of Europe with Spain - in fact although footballing life in England, thanks to Arsenal, makes me feel a far more important player than my time with the national team.

"I'm also aware that the key to understanding Arsene Wenger is that he has crystal clear ideas about what he wants.

"He doesn't just want to go and spend money - I don't think there's another coach like him anywhere in the world. His philosophy remains to show faith in the young talents.

"He knows full well that were Arsenal to go out and succeed in buying, say, Cristiano Ronaldo then how would you ever discover the extent to which Theo Walcott can reach his full potential?

"It's good, too, that Arsenal is not one of those clubs owned by a 'magnate'. It seems to me that for mega-rich guys like that buying football clubs is like a 'hobby'. Effectively it's like collecting another toy and if you go off it one month then you just change it".