Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has advised his “friend” and Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas that he should leave the club for Barcelona if his heart tells him to do so.

Flamini, who left the Emirates Stadium for AC Milan after receiving a big money offer, will return to his former club this weekend for the Emirates Cup pre-season tournament, and said that the Spanish midfielder should simply do what he really wants regardless of the situation.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told a press conference yesterday that he had always said the club would want to keep Fabregas and that the midfielder had a contract to abide despite Barcelona’s interest.

On the other hand, the Spanish international had made it clear that he was torn between a decision to leave for his boyhood club and home while remaining loyal to the Gunners who had made him the household name that he is in world football.

Frenchman Flamini maintained that while the decision was solely Fabregas’ to make, he would stand by his friend no matter what he decides.

“I would tell him to to what he feels, because it’s a very personal choice and I cannot advise anything,” Flamini insisted.

“He will have to do what he really wants. If he stays or goes, I will support him because he is a friend.”

Flamini also played down speculation linking him with a move to Aston Villa or Newcastle United, claiming that he was enjoying himself in Serie A and hopes to spend less time on the bench next season.

“I didn’t see that (the Aston Villa and Newcastle reports) because I’m in Italy but they are two good clubs,” Flamini added.

“Personally, I hope I’m going to play more than what I did in the last year. I hope this year will be better.

“I’m happy to be in Italy, it’s a great championship and I’m having a lot of fun. But in football, you never know.”

Tags: AC Milan, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Barcelona, Cesc Fabregas, English Premier League, La Liga, Mathieu Flamini, Newcastle United, Serie A, transfer news