<<Print>>

ARSENE WENGER convinced the Arsenal board to LOWER Cesc Fabregas' asking price so he could secure a dream return to Barcelona � according to the midfield star. Spanish playmaker Fabregas rejoined his old club in a �35million switch last month, though Barca have since admitted his value is closer to twice that figure. Gunners fans were left fuming at the fee the North Londoners accepted for the 24-year-old, with many claiming it was far lower than his true worth. But Fabregas' desire to return home to his boyhood club was so great Arsenal boss Wenger stepped in to smooth the deal over. Fabregas admitted: "Without Arsene I would not be a Barca player now. "He convinced the owners of Arsenal � who would not sell under any circumstances � to lower the price." Fabregas moved to London as a 16-year-old in 2003 and made 303 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 57 goals. And the World Cup winner concedes he owes his whole career to Wenger. The Spanish international added: "Without Arsene I would not have made my debut by 16, played in the final of the Champions League at 18 and been team captain by 20. "I would be nothing without him � what he has given me is priceless." Fabregas won just ONE piece of silverware during his eight-year stay in London � the 2005 FA Cup. And he maintains that is the one black mark on his Arsenal career. He said: "In terms of titles, I am bitter about that. Missing out on winning the Premier League about three times � I would have liked to have taken that, but it could not happen." However, despite winning two trophies during his brief time already at the Nou Camp, Fabregas insists he does not consider himself a first-team starter just yet. Speaking to El Pais, he said: "It is clear that only players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi could complain about a lack of playing time. If they did complain I would respect that, so I will play when I play. "I feel I still have much to learn, this team is highly mechanised and there are things I have to catch up on particularly in defence. "I have never seen a team that is so focused on the attack-defend transition � playing against Barcelona is very complicated but playing at the club is not so easy and that is the challenge. "I honestly feel that at times I may hinder them, but they are good at fixing it and hiding it � I must adapt to them and learn." He added: "Their style of play is the most beautiful thing I have seen in my life, all you hear is the ball going � tap, tap, tap � I have never seen so much training at this level."