Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas returned to the club for his first pre-season training session this morning with little hint of the drawn out transfer saga that has seen him in the center of a public tug-of-war between the Gunners and Barcelona.

The midfielder has been wanted by the La Liga champions all summer but despite publicly claiming that he wants to return to his boyhood club, Arsenal have refused to consider selling the Spanish international, with manager Arsene Wenger calling his captain to commit his future to the club publicly.

There was no sign of that forthcoming on Fabregas’ return as he was the first to trot out onto the Emirates Stadium pitch this morning – perhaps as a subliminal indication to Arsenal fans that he was still committed to the team as long as he continues to wear the shirt.

There was also little hint of any tension in the air as the World Cup winning star took his place alongside Wenger and the rest of his team mates for the team photo. It was perhaps another sign that the midfielder will likely remain at the club for the upcoming Premier League campaign, at least until Barcelona return with available funds to try to prise him away again next summer.

Arsenal fans gave their beloved skipper a rousing welcome when he emerged from the players tunnel and Fabregas smiled as he acknowledged their devotion, despite having made clear previously that he no longer wears the shirt in his heart – that place having already been usurped by the Barcelona jersey.

Nevertheless, Fabregas endured no backlash from the crowd that had gathered at the stadium for the photo call and training session – feared initially after his public proclamations previously before his return. The midfielder was also seen to share light moments with defender Thomas Vermaelen, Tomas Rosicky and Robin van Persie – another late returnee after his World Cup exertions with the Netherlands.

On an even more positive note for the club, Aaron Ramsey was also part of the proceedings as the midfielder continues to recover from a broken leg.

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