Fabregas avoids Barca talk

Cesc Fabregas maintains he will not be distracted by his name being used in Barcelona's presidential election campaign - and hinted he could even stay at Arsenal for life.

Out-going Barcelona president Joan Laporta has hinted a deal is already in place to bring Fabregas back next summer, seen as a move to undermine the election campaign of old rival Sandro Rosell, with Agusti Benedito also vying for power at the Nou Camp.

However, the Arsenal midfielder said: "We have a long season in front of us, and the last thing I want to do is get disconnected from what I have to do playing for Arsenal, who are the club which pays me."

He added: "It does not affect me at all. This [speculation] has been going for years.

"I don't mind really if it happens, it happens - but it will not change the way I think.

"I do not think about it because I do not want to and I do not think I should.

"I am at a great club, with a great team and am happy. I am really looking forward to a great season with Arsenal."

Asked whether he could envisage staying at Arsenal for the whole of his career, Fabregas said: "Why not?

"I have never really thought about it, staying here all my life, because I am only 22 and you never know what your career will bring - but why not?

"It is my seventh season now, I am really happy, better than ever, so you never know."