“It’s his decision,” says Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino.
New Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino says the decision to move to Manchester United rests with Cesc Fabregas.
United have seen bids of £25m and £30m for the former Arsenal captain rejected by the La Liga champions, with the Red Devils reportedly lining up a third and final offer.
Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted Fabregas is “untransferable” but Martino has raised eyebrows by hinting that the decision rests with the 26-year-old.
“I would prefer him to stay with us and I dare say he will, but it’s his decision,” the recently-appointed head-coach is quoted as saying by the BBC.
Speaking after his team’s 8-0 friendly thrashing of Brazilian side Santos at the Nou Camp on Friday, the Argentine added: “I had a short chat with him and told him what I think.
“Cesc will decide the situation, but it has not occurred to me that I won’t be able to count on him.
“He is one of the best players in the squad. I think he will stay. But there’s a part that he has to decide.”
But Martino insisted the playmaker was part of his plans at the Nou Camp.
“If it was my decision, there wouldn’t be any chance of Cesc leaving.”
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