Cesc Fabregas has Barca in his blood, insists Lionel Messi

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Speculation continues to link Barca with a bid for their former trainee this summer and world player of the year Messi believes his old friend is destined to return to Catalonia.

"Cesc has a place for Arsenal in his heart but he has Barcelona in his blood," he said.

"He will want to win the biggest prizes in football and I expect him to do that at Barcelona.

"I don't exactly know when that will be but I expect him to be my Barcelona team-mate again at some point.

"I am sure that Arsene Wenger and Cesc have a father-son relationship and I know that he has a very special relationship with the Arsenal fans.

"When you grow up at a club, it is more than just a club. The coaches, players and people in the club will be like family."

Messi poured water on English hopes of him one day playing on these shores, however.

"Will I play in the Premier League one day? I have said that I want to be at Barcelona for life," he told the Daily Express.

"I will be here for as long as they want me. I owe Barcelona more than for giving me a chance — I owe them for changing my life."