Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has refuted claims from Barcelona that their signing of Cesc Fabregas was unfair, stating the Catalans also sign youngsters from abroad. Former Barca president Joan Laporta has claimed the Gunners lured him away from Camp Nou as a teenager.
However, the Frenchman has accused Barcelona of double standards, highlighting their signing of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.
"Where do they get their players? Where does Messi come from? Barcelona? At what age did they take him? Twelve years old," said Wenger.
"There's no reason for any bitterness because we did nothing illegal. We did not force a gun somewhere.
"We respected the rules. They could take our players, we accept that.
"They take their players from all over the world. Don't expect them only to get players from Catalonia."
Fabregas has been constantly linked with a move back to Barcelona, but Wenger insists his captain will be focused during Wednesday's Champions League clash between both sides.
"Cesc will approach it as he approaches every game - with a huge desire to win," added Wenger.
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