Fabregas happy in holding role

At Arsenal and then at the start of his second spell with Barcelona, Fabregas was established as a regular goalscorer and a player who would be expected to make driving forward runs.

He even played as a striker for Spain in the early stages of Euro 2012.

But Fabregas' role is changing, and under new manager Tito Vilanova he has been asked to play in the holding position.

"I'm not a player who will score 30 goals in a season and fight for the 'Pichichi' (the prize that goes to the top scorer in Spain). Far from it," Fabregas said.

"I am a midfielder but it's true that in the past few seasons I've scored many goals, and when I play in advanced positions I try to do that.

"But when I play deeper I try to hold the position and work for others, get the team moving and if there is an opportunity to try to get a goal as well, but that's not what the boss is asking of me.

"I have to do what the coach asks me to and that isn't to score two goals every game. I try to do my job and I'm very calm, very content and very happy to be here.

"What I want is to stay and play at Barca and work as hard as I can."

Fabregas sparked speculation over his future earlier in the month when he hinted it was frustrating to be a substitute after he sat on the bench throughout a Spanish Super Cup defeat by Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old has not completed a full match for Barcelona this season but said in an interview with club television station Barca TV: "I believe I have adapted well to the dressing room and to the club in general and the truth is I'm very happy and working hard.

"Last season was very positive for me and I'm trying every day to play as well as I can because everyone is happy with me."