It's a sight no Arsenal fan wanted to see - Cesc Fabregas in a Barcelona shirt, but is a prank by his team-mates really the shape of things to come?
One thing is for sure, as Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique forced the top over his head, Fabregas looked like the most uncomfortable man on the planet. There was a smile on his face and he knew it was a joke, but he was obviously aware of how it would play in certain sections of the media.
But for now, it seems like nothing more than two team-mates enjoying themselves at the expense of another - after all, Fabregas has also dedicated the win to Arsenal fans and players, so he clearly loves the club. Personally, I wouldn't bet on the Premier League losing one its leading stars any time soon.
Whether this will prove to be a parting gift remains to be seen, but it seems that Fabregas did get a taste what joining Barcelona would be like during the World Cup, and it may not have been entirely pleasant.
Admittedly, there was clearly a great spirit in the camp and everyone played their parts when called on. However, Fabregas spent most of his time on the bench while the core of the existing Barca side went about their work. There's no reason to think things would be any different if he moved back to Spain.
Of course, it did have a happy ending as Fabregas came off the bench to set up the goal that secured the trophy for Spain, and that'll mean a lot to him.
It's clear that if winning trophies is his main aim, it's something he'll be able to do at Barcelona. However, it remains to be seen if he'd be willing to drop from club captain to bit part player in order to do so. And besides, the latest Premier League odds suggest Arsenal will be in with a chance of winning the title this season.
For now, if he wants to be a key part of a side which is constantly challenging for silverware and develop as a player at the same time, staying put seems to be his best option.
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