Cesc Fabregas' transfer to Manchester United continues to look less and less likely. In the latest chapter of the ongoing saga, Fabregas' teammates Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique assured the media that the midfielder was not leaving.
"He always looks very relaxed to me," said Pique. "It is normal that a player of his quality has offers on the table but I can confirm that he is staying. It is his life's dream [to play for Barca], and I am very happy that he stays. It never seemed to me that he had any doubts."
"For me he is unquestionable, because I always think that my team-mates are the best," added Andres Iniesta. "Healthy competition between ourselves makes us improve each day. Cesc has performed to a very high level for us. I am convinced that he'll be doing that again this season."
Other teammates have been equally positive.
"He's quite relaxed," Xavi said, according to ESPN. "He's under contract and everything else is speculation. He's working with the group and is up to speed and very motivated.
"They're just rumors. We'll see what happens, but he's relaxed and ready for the coming season with Barcelona."
"I'm not going to involve myself in the club's accounts, but considering the club has already rejected two offers, I would guess it will reject a third. In other words, Fabregas will remain here," added new Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino.
Many wondered whether Fabregas would want to remain in Barcelona after spending most of his tenure with the club out of position. Fabregas had been brought in from Arsenal to provide the club with a central midfielder that would replace Xavi. However, the 33-year-old has been in top form over the last few years and has forced Fabregas into a forward position behind Lionel Messi. However, the position will be filled by Neymar in 2013-14 and Fabregas could ultimately start this upcoming season on the bench.
Manchester United has reportedly made numerous bids for the midfielder and has been rejected each time.