Cesc Fabregas reveals frustration at bit-part role at Barcelona

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas (GETTY IMAGES)

Cesc Fabregas has spoken out about his frustration at being a bit-part player for Barcelona so far this season.

The central midfielder, who is currently on duty with the Spain national team, is yet to complete a full 90 minutes this term and was an unused substitute against Real Madrid in the second-leg of the Spanish Cup last week.

"There's no such thing as a great substitute in the world of football - I couldn't tell you what makes a great substitute," Fabregas told Marca.

"I always wish my team-mates well and put a happy face on. If I have to take my unhappy face home then so be it, but I would never let my team-mates or manager see it.

"I've always said that I play for the best team in the world, but I came here to compete, to learn and enjoy, not to sit wracking my brains."

Fabregas joined Barcelona from Arsenal last summer in a £30m deal, and in his first season made an immediate impact, making his debut in the Super Cup win over Real Madrid and scoring against Napoli on his first start.

Yet the installment of Tito Vilanova, who replaced Pep Guardiola who stood down at the end of last season, has coincided with a lack of chances for the former Arsenal captain.

"I am delighted to be a part of this team, but when a coach tells me I have to go, I will go - but I will not make it easy for him to do so, by any means," Fabregas added.

"I will keep going, looking forward to the time that things change.

"I came here to see out my career."

Arsenal have first option to re-sign their former talisman should the 25-year-old become available.