Martino insists that Cesc Fabregas must decide on his future

Barcelona midfielder scored twice in his club's 8-0 thrashing of Brazilian outfit Santos on Friday. Reports from ESPN suggest that the new Barca manager Gerardo Martino has asked Fabregas to remain at the Nou Camp.

"I'm not thinking about Barca without Cesc," Martino told reporters. "I've talked to him, I've explained my ideas. He's one of the best in the squad, but there's also a part that he has to decide.

"If it depends on me, he'll stay, and I believe he will, so I haven't thought about who I'd sign to replace him yet."

Martino also gave an announcement to the fans from the pitch before the match suggesting on how he hopes to help the side to numerous successes this upcoming season having replaced Tito Vilanova in July.


"I just wanted to say that it is with enormous happiness that I am here with the team," the Argentine added. "I want to pass on my pride of being a part of this club and I hope this year will see championship-level achievements for the club."

Meanwhile, Fabregas avoided the talk of an exit from the Catalan side by writing in his Official Twitter account.


He wrote: "I'm pleased with this good start and to win the [pre-season] Gamper trophy is always special for us!"