The Spain international joined the Catalan giants from Arsenal at the beginning of last season, although he was not always guaranteed a starting position due to the club's star-studded team sheet.

Reports have since surfaced claiming the World Cup and European Championship winner is now eager to move on in search of a more regular starting role, but the former Gunners skipper says he is delighted to be faced with the challenge of competing for his position.

"I said when I signed here that it was going to be the most exciting and difficult challenge of my life," Fabregas told The Sun.

"I knew I was coming here to compete for a place against the best players in the world.

"But I like big challenges. If I didn't, I would have stayed at Arsenal where I was the captain, where I played every game and where I was treated so well.

"I would never have taken the big step and the huge risk to sign for Barca and fight with the best players in the world for a place in the team - especially as there were never any guarantees given that I would play.

"I have a big heart, I have a strong character and I have the courage to carry on competing for my place."