CESC FABREGAS last night shocked Arsenal by admitting: "My family would understand if I signed for Real Madrid."

CESC FABREGAS last night shocked Arsenal by admitting: "My family would understand if I signed for Real Madrid."

In a heart-rending interview he talks about the frustration and pain of four barren years in North London and brands the Gunners "impotent".

Real Madrid's huge summer spending spree to attract the world's best players to the Bernabeu sits in stark contrast with the policy followed by the Emirates side in recent years.

Midfielder Fabregas is one of Real president Florentino Perez's top targets and his words are even more significant given the Spain superstar must have known they would cause a stir in England.

More worryingly, the Gunners skipper hinted Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to leave Manchester United and join Madrid has made him think about his own future.

The 22-year-old admitted that six years away from his homeland is a long time, prompting renewed speculation about his future.

Fabregas said: "The absence of titles at Arsenal is what angers me the most.

"Cristiano said he's leaving Manchester United because he had nothing else to win. For me right now it is the exact opposite, seeing the impotence.

"This year we wanted it, we were giving everything - but we couldn't reach the level that everyone expected of Arsenal.

"When you win, you're well. But when you don't, everyone is in a bad mood. For four years now, we've needed a title to regain our belief in ourselves."

Fabregas joined Arsenal as a precocious 16-year-old whizkid plucked from Barcelona's academy.

He has spent all his adult life in England and freely conceded that a return to Spain is never far away from his thoughts.

He added: "My seventh season is about to start. It's a lot when you're just 22. When you stop to think, you see that time flies.

"In football, you have to learn fast and take the best decisions for yourself and try to be happy."

Fabregas then dropped a bombshell by admitting that his Catalan family, who are all staunch Barcelona supporters, would understand if he joined their hated rivals Madrid.

Cesc said: "Of course my family would understand if I signed for Real Madrid because they love me, they want me to be happy and what is best for me. They'd support me - whichever club I joined. My family will always be there for me - whatever decision I make.

"They're the ones who are always by my side."

Barcelona have also been linked with a move to recapture the prodigal son who fled home as a teenager.

Curiously, Fabregas admitted it would be a difficult dilemma if he had to choose between Real and Barca but confessed he is proud to be aware of their interest in him.

He added: "At the moment it's not happened so I don't have to choose. For any player it gives great pride that those two clubs come to sign him. It would be a difficult choice."

I understand Barcelona would never pay a huge sum to take him back. It would be unthinkable to cough up silly money - a fee of around £45million is the least Arsenal would expect - for a player they let slip from their grasp.

So Madrid is the obvious choice.

Yet the Arsenal midfielder insists he would not force his way out by publicly declaring his desire to leave.

He continued: "I will never do that. It's not the way I am.

"If I have to say I want to leave I will do it face to face.