Arsenal: Barca shirt stunt a 'joke' says Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas insists nothing should be read into his donning a Barcelona shirt amid Spain's World Cup celebrations.

The Arsenal skipper has long been linked with a return to the Catalan giants, where he spent six years as a youth team player before moving to North London in 2003, and Barca have already had a 35million euro bid turned down this summer.

Barca defenders Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique - helped by Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina - fanned the flames over a possible move by forcing a Blaugrana jersey over their Spain team-mate's head as La Roja celebrated their triumphant return to Madrid on Monday night.

But Fabregas has laughed off the matter, saying nothing more should be read into what was simply a practical joke.

"These are things that happen at special moments, and I don't think it should be gone on about much more because it was just another anecdote of a great night, a great celebration," said the Arsenal midfielder.

"There are times we do not even know what we do, so everything can be forgiven,.

"Pepe took me there (to the front of the stage), the truth is that I didn't know anything like that was going to happen and so I was a bit surprised.

"At first I thought it was a flag or something, but it's nothing.

"You had to enjoy it and if it's a way to have fun, it's nothing."

Fabregas grew slightly more serious when questioned further about where he will be plying his trade next season.

"I think now the less said about the subject much the better, because these things are worse for everyone when they come to light and people talk more about the matter," added the 23-year-old.

"Right now we have to be very calm and what will be will be."

Fabregas has five more years on his contract with the Gunners but has made no secret of his desire to return to the Nou Camp.