Xavi has defended himself against criticism from Arsene Wenger after the Arsenal manager accused him of disrespect over comments he made about Cesc Fabregas.
Wenger said last week Xavi had been “very disrespectful” for suggesting his Spain team mate Fabregas was suffering as he waits to find out whether the clubs can agree a deal for him to return to Barca.
“It seems absurd to me,” Xavi said at Barca’s training ground. “I was only acting in the interest of Cesc and of Barca. But that’s that and I really don’t want to get into a war of words with Wenger. I didn’t want to offend anyone”.
Barca coach Pep Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday that the European champions were in talks to buy Fabregas and said the club were ready to fight right up until the transfer deadline on Aug. 31 to get their man.
Wenger has said he wants to keep his captain and is trying to convince Fabregas that it is not the right time for him to leave England.
“I don’t really know the situation but it seems they are more disposed to sell this year than last year,” Xavi said. “Maybe we can be a bit more optimistic [this year] but it depends on reaching an agreement with Arsenal”.
