NEWSPost India

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has conceded that he will be rooting for boyhood club Barcelona in their clash against Real Madrid. Having progressed through the ranks at the renowned Barca youth academy before being plucked by Arsenal at the age of 16, Fabregas revealed that his Catalan ties means there is only one team he will be cheering for come Monday at the Nou Camp.

He stated in an interview with El Mundo Deportivo: “As a Cule, I want Barcelona to win. As a professional, El Clasico is seen as a sensational game in which the club maintains its incredible history, but Madrid are much improved compared to last season’s. I see them being more dangerous than in other years.

“No one should be surprised at my feelings for Barcelona because I have never hidden them. My family are Cules to the core, I was raised at La Masia, and that’s why I say I want to see Barca win.” The stylish playmaker has also been impressed by the Jose Mourinho revolution that is currently underway at his former outfit’s fiercest rivals.

He added: “Their team reminds me of Chelsea, with a typically English game. They push high up, looking for the slightest mistake in midfield, and have attackers who are very dangerous. They are very good at stealing possession in the opposition half.”

In fact, Fabregas himself was pining for a move back to his spiritual home before being persuaded by Gunners chief Arsene Wenger to remain at the Emirates.