Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas says his Barcelona supporting family would "understand" if he joined Real Madrid. Cesc told The Sun: "Of course my family would understand if I signed for Real Madrid because they love me, they want me to be happy and what is best for me. They'd support me - whichever club I joined. My family will always be there for me - whatever decision I make.

"They're the ones who are always by my side."

Barcelona have also been linked with a move to recapture the prodigal son who fled home as a teenager.

Curiously, Fabregas admitted it would be a difficult dilemma if he had to choose between Real and Barca but confessed he is proud to be aware of their interest in him.

He added: "At the moment it's not happened so I don't have to choose. For any player it gives great pride that those two clubs come to sign him. It would be a difficult choice." The Arsenal midfielder insists he would not force his way out by publicly declaring his desire to leave.

He continued: "I will never do that. It's not the way I am.

"If I have to say I want to leave I will do it face to face.

"If one day I'm not happy, I am the first who will tell the manager."

He added: "I admire Arsene Wenger but each of us has his own life and looks after his own interests."