Pique backs Xavi over Cesc comments

Barca midfielder Xavi irked the Gunners by publically stating their skipper was 'suffering' in London and wanted Arsenal to allow him to return to Barcelona.

"I spoke to Cesc in Ibiza and he told me he was suffering because he wants to come," Xavi was quoted as having said at a news conference at a youth training camp in Catalunya last week, adding: "That's what he most desires. He has done everything to come and he wants Arsenal to let him leave."

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Gary Parkinson is a freelance writer, editor, trainer, muso, singer, actor and coach. He spent 14 years at FourFourTwo as the Global Digital Editor and continues to regularly contribute to the magazine and website, including major features on Euro 96, Subbuteo, Robert Maxwell and the inside story of Liverpool's 1990 title win. He is also a Bolton Wanderers fan.