Xavi sorry for Fabregas ´suffering´ claims

Xavi has apologised for claiming Cesc Fabregas was ‘suffering’ at Arsenal, but is confident his Spain team-mate will join him at Barcelona.

Xavi claimed to have spoken to former Barca youth player Fabregas in Ibiza during the off-season and said that the 24-year-old had told him he was ‘suffering because he wants to come’ (to La Liga champions Barcelona).

Gunners manager Wenger hit back, calling Xavi ‘disrespectful’. But the Barca midfielder says he had no intention of upsetting the English Premier League club or the Frenchman.

“I’m sorry, my intention was not to offend Wenger or Arsenal’s interests,” he said in a press conference on Wednesday.

“He is obviously an Arsenal player and has a contract (with them).”

“I will not go into a war of words as it all seems absurd to me. I have just looked after the interests of Cesc and Barca, and we know that Cesc has the desire to come.”

The Barca vice-captain said he was unaware at the present state of negotiations, but believes Fabregas will end up joining the Catalan club before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.

“It seems that this year Arsenal are more likely to sell now than in previous years,” he said.

“Everything depends on an agreement because he has a contract and he is an Arsenal player, but I am optimistic that he will come this year.”