The Arsenal skipper almost left for his beloved Barcelona this summer but was finally persuaded to stay by boss Arsene Wenger. And at the end of a week dominated by the Wayne Rooney saga, Gunners fans know it will not be too long before Fabregas is engulfed by more transfer rumours. But the Spanish midfielder, 23, fit to face moneybags Manchester City tomorrow after a hamstring injury, vowed: "I would never join a club solely for money - that would be one of the last points on my agenda. "I love the game. I want to win things and would only want to play for a club that has ambition, a desire to compete and the ability to win trophies.
"Manchester City can buy anyone they like but you need time to gel as a unit and there is no rule that if you spend £50million on a player he will be an instant success. "There have been many players at many clubs over the years that have gone for huge money but haven't done well. "Conversely there have been many players who have arrived for nothing and have done very well. "No team in world football can enjoy the financial power that City have - not just Arsenal. "However, financial power is not the only ingredient for success. Sure it helps, but there are other things you need.
"I strongly believe we have as good a squad as anyone in this league. If we have a bit of luck on the injury front we can achieve great things." Fabregas, who returned in the 5-1 midweek Champions League thrashing of Shakhtar Donetsk, is adamant he is over the disappointment of being denied the chance to re-join Barcelona, having spent his teenage years at the Nou Camp. He added: "I said at the time and I will say again that I am a professional. "It's always flattering to be linked to clubs like that and it shows great recognition for the hard work you are doing.
"However, I am an Arsenal player and when I put on the shirt that is all I think about. When I step out on the pitch my only thought is to get three points for Arsenal. "It's such a good feeling to be back on the pitch and to do what you really love doing." United have been throwing away points for fun, and rocked by the drama surrounding Rooney and Liverpool are struggling in the bottom two so Arsenal are perfectly placed to give Chelsea and Manchester City a run for the title. But while Fabregas may have won both the World Cup and European Championship with Spain, in seven years with the Gunners he has just one FA Cup winners' medal to his name. And turning to the title race, he said: "I don't believe Manchester United are in turmoil. The club will always be bigger than any one player. They haven't lost a game yet so they can't be that bad! "As for Liverpool, they are and always will be a big club. Things turn around very quickly in football and I am sure the new owners know what they are doing. "I am confident Arsenal can win things this season. I wouldn't play if I wasn't. We have a good squad, the spirit is there and with a little luck on the injury front who knows what we can achieve?"
The Rooney saga gripped the Arsenal dressing room along with the rest of the country but Fabregas is careful never to discuss other players or clubs in public. But he does rise to the bait when fans question players' loyalty. He added: "That is a bit harsh. Loyalty is a two-way street. Clubs are the first not to offer new contracts if you are not performing and are the first to try and sell you if you aren't delivering or are too old. "The game is littered with players desperate to stay at their clubs but the clubs no longer want them. Loyalty seems to be a balance where both sides need each other." Fabregas also revealed he hides his World Cup medal under his pillow but does not watch the DVD of the victory over Holland. He said: "It's important not to focus on what you have done in the past. That will be for the day I retire. "What is important is to concentrate on the future and not become complacent. I have still so much to achieve."