Barcelona's Pep Guardiola has always been my biggest idol - Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas

Guardiola made over 300 official appearances for the Camp Nou giants from 1990 until 2001, leaving the club two years before Fabregas moved from Barca's youth academy to Arsenal in 2003, and he is about to embark on his fourth season in charge of the first team.

Speaking briefly at a promotional event in Jakarta Fabregas, who is continually linked with a return to Catalunya, refused to comment on transfer speculation, but according to Sport, he said of the Barca tactician: "Pep Guardiola has always been my biggest idol on the pitch."

The 24-year-old midfielder also expressed his pride of being part of the successful Spain team that triumphed at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and briefly discussed his continued passion for the game.

He added: "I feel privileged that I have the chance of playing with some of the best players in the world. Motivation comes from within me. I just love the ball."

Fabregas has made over 200 appearances for Arsenal since making his official debut in October 2003, and Barcelona president Sandro Rosell recently admitted that the club have made enquiries as to a possible return for the playmaker, but added that if the London club demand a fee in excess of €40 million, a deal will not be completed.

label:Barcelona,English football,Spanish football