• Premier League

Villa won't be fund-raiser for Fabregas transfer

ESPN staff
June 25, 2011
David Villa scored 23 goals last season © Getty Images
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David Villa is not prepared to be used as a fund-raising tool to bring Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, insisting he wants to retire at Camp Nou.

Villa enjoyed a good first season with the Spanish giants, scoring 23 goals, including one in the Champions League final as Barcelona secured a league and European Cup Double.

However, the Catalans are fully expected to tie up the signature of Alexis Sanchez from Udinese, and they have reportedly seen a £27 million bid for Fabregas turned down by Arsenal.

Having recently revealed their transfer budget to be around the £40 million mark, it would seem Pep Guardiola may have to sell in order to afford his two top summer transfer targets, and Villa has been touted as the most high profile player to make way.

The Spain international has been linked with moves to Manchester City and Chelsea, but he has doused both options by stating he intends to stay with Barcelona.

"Hopefully I can retire at Barca because that would mean everything has been great for me," Villa commented on Barcelona's official website.

"I would like to have the chance to retire at Barca even though I'm only 29. It would be very nice. I want to be at Barca as long as possible."

The prolific marksman also welcomed the possibility of Fabregas and Sanchez joining the club, stating: "They are two very good players at both an individual and collective level, and it would be a big injection of quality for our side."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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