Pique expects Fabregas to join Barcelona

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is confident Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will join him at the Nou Camp in the future.

Fabregas has long been linked with a return to Spain and Barcelona, while recent reports suggested the Catalan could be in line for a shock move to Real Madrid, forcing him to again reiterate his commitment to the Gunners.

Pique, who spent several years with Fabregas in Barca's youth team, is confident his Spain team-mate will not move to their bitter rivals, claiming it is only a matter of time before the 22-year-old returns to Catalunya.

"I wouldn't be happy at all (if Fabregas signed for Madrid)," Pique told Sport. "And I don't think it will happen.

"In football you can't say something is impossible, but I don't think Cesc will sign for Madrid.

"I am sure that we will end up together one day or another.

"Cesc will end up wearing the Barca shirt, I've always said that. Even if he doesn't want to admit it, I've always told him the same thing."

Pique has gone from strength to strength since coming back to Barca from Manchester United last summer and enjoyed a fantastic first season at the Nou Camp as Pep Guardiola's team stormed to an unprecedented treble.

It was a different story in the Spanish capital and Madrid have spent big following a disappointing campaign - something which has not surprised their bitter rivals.

"We were expecting it," added Pique. "The big teams have pressure to win titles and when you go for a year without silverware, as happened to Madrid, you need to bring in great players.

"They decided to sign players like Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Kaka but that will be fantastic for La Liga. We will be the strongest once again."

Pique also revealed that Barca have already set themselves the target of retaining the Champions League and, with next season's final being held in the Bernabeu, admitted it would be extra special to do so at the home of their rivals.

"It's an aim," he said. "We are the current champions, we'll start as favourites because of that.

"To play the final at the Bernabeu is something to bear in mind, special, which really excites us, but we have to take it step by step."