Fabregas quashes transfer rumours, says 'never thought of leaving Chelsea'

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has quashed persistent transfer rumours, saying he had never thought of leaving the Stamford Bridge and that he is extremely happy with his current club.

The former Arsenal midfielder, who has been hardly utilized by new coach Antonio Conte, has been linked to the likes of Real Madrid.

"I have never thought of leaving Chelsea. Madrid? There might have been calls, there might not have, but I am not thinking of leaving. The rumours over whether I am going or offering myself out tire me. Let them come out every [time]... apparently I want to go to 20 different teams," Fabregas was quoted as saying

Brushing aside the speculations, Fabregas admitted that although he had spent a lot of time on the bench, he stills sees his future with Chelsea.

"I am just one player. I will keep competing here. If I knew I wasn't good enough to play in this team, I would have moved away but I am very happy here. Not playing hurts but I know I am good enough for this team and I will give everything to play," he said.

Fabregas , however, expressed his desire to spend more time on the field, saying it was very hard for him to watch his team from the substitutes' bench.

The 29-year-old also hoped to face the Arsene Wenger-led side in their Premier League clash on Saturday.

"It is tough being on the bench; I have never spent so much time there. Every time I have entered [the pitch], I have felt really good. That leaves me happy after the games. I hope I can be with the team on Saturday [against Arsenal]," he said.

Despite having featured so little under Conte, the midfielder said he shares a warm relationship with the former Juventus and Italy coach.

Describing Conte as a 'brilliant' coach, Fabregas said that the former is a tough man who has a very particular playing philosophy

"We like him a lot. He is a brilliant coach and playing or not does not change that. He is a tough man and tells you things straight. We are very happy with him," Fabregas admitted.