Cesc Fabregas admits he is 'no saint', but has again moved to quash reports suggesting he racially abused Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute.
Barca star refutes racism allegation and makes peace with Kanoute
Cesc Fabregas admits he is 'no saint' when he steps onto a football field, but has again moved to quash reports suggesting he racially abused Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute.
The Barcelona midfielder found himself at the centre of a media storm following the weekend's Primera Liga action when it was alleged that he had aimed racist remarks at Kanoute.
The pair clashed during a 0-0 draw at Camp Nou on Saturday as Lionel Messi prepared to take a late penalty.
After Kanoute kicked the ball away, Fabregas became involved in an altercation with the Malian.
He is adamant that no racist remarks were aimed at the Sevilla forward and claims Kanoute would support his version of events.
Stirred
"I am no saint, but I am not racist either," said Fabregas.
"I know exactly what I said. Whoever stated that I said racist words has stirred things up well because everyone knows about it.
"But I have talked to Kanoute and asked him to refute it. We sorted it all out and I would like it to end now."
Fabregas saw Messi miss from the spot over the weekend, forcing Barca to settle for a point, but the former Arsenal man claims the mercurial Argentine playmaker remains the stand-out performer in world football.
He said: "For me, there is no doubt. Leo Messi is number one in the world.
Humble
"Leo is very humble and has never changed over time. He always gives his all for the team and loves life at Barcelona.
"I am convinced that this year he will win the Fifa World Player of the Year award again."
Pep Guardiola has also received backing from Fabregas, with the Barcelona coach having been criticised by Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure recently for an apparent lack of communication.
"If there is a communicative person in the dressing room then that is Pep Guardiola," he said.
"The coach works very hard so that nobody can later say things like that. I have never had any problems communicating with him."
